Question

A long distance swimmer's diving watch keeps track of the distance the swimmer goes in reference to the exact starting point. The watch records the location of the swimmer each time the swimmer turns around. After swimming for one hour, the watch shows the following values (units are meters): 145, –260, 190, –300, 100 How many total meters did the swimmer swim?

Answer 1

995 meters

Explanation:

The values of distances recorded are: 145, –260, 190, –300, 100.

To get the total distances, we are to add all these values.

In this case the negative values shown means the direction in opposite direction. So when adding them we ignore the negative sign to get the total distance.

∴ Total distance = 145 + 260 + 190 + 300 + 100

= 995 meters