Question

Juan is walking up a hill at 13034 feet above sea level when he kicks a pebble. If the pebble falls to the base of the hill, which is 18.5 feet below sea level, what is the vertical distance that the pebble fell?

Answer 1

13034 + 18.5 = 13052.5 13052.5 is the vertical distance that the pebble fell.

Answer 2

13015.5 feet

Explanation:

Juan is walking up a hill at 13034 feet above sea level

So, Above sea level means +ve

So, Height of hill above sea level = +13034 feet

Base of hill is below 18.5 feet below sea level

So, Height of hill below sea level = -18.5 feet

The vertical distance that the pebble fell from top = +13034 feet -18.5 feet =13015.5 feet

Hence The vertical distance that the pebble fell is 13015.5 feet