Question

A shark is at −80 feet. It swims up and jumps out of the water to a height of 15 feet. Write a subtraction expression for the vertical distance the shark travels.

Answer 1

Explanation:

So the total distance the shark travels is from that -80, past 0, where the water is, to 15 feet above the water. Think of it on a graph, or number line where the shark goes from -80 to 15. In that case 0 would be where the water is.

This value is 95.

I am a bit apprehensive in giving an answer since the wording of the question is a bit unclear, but I think you would give 95-80=15. As long as you understand the shark traveled a total of 95 feet upward though you at least have an understanding of a pretty important part of it.