Question

Write two equivalent expressions that represents the situation. What is the difference in their Elevations? And airplane flies an altitude of 25,000 feet. A submarine a diverse to a depth of 600 feet below sea level.

Answer 1

Hₐ (airplane) = H₀ +25,000

Hₐ (submarine) = H₀ -600

Difference in elevation = 25,600 ft

Explanation:

Let the reference point be Sea level

Let the Height at sea level = H₀

Let the height above or below sea level = H₁

Total Height with respect to sea level = Hₐ

Hₐ =H₀ ± H₁--------------------------------------------------------------------- (1)

Where:

(+) is used for height above sea level

(-) is used for height below sea level

For the airplane :

Hₐ (airplane) =H₀ + H₁

= H₀ + 25,000----------------------------------------------------- (2)

For the Submarine;

Hₐ (submarine) =H₀ - H₁

=H₀ -600

Summarily:

Hₐ (airplane) = H₀ +25,000

Hₐ (submarine) = H₀ -600

H₀ is common in both expressions for the respective heights. The difference in elevation is given by :

Hₐ (airplane) -Hₐ (submarine) = (H₀ +25,000 ) -(H₀ -600)

= 25,600 ft