Question

A hiker started her hike at 0.2 mi below sea level. At the end of her hike, she was 1.4 mi above sea level.

What vertical distance did she hike?

Answer 1

1.6 miles, because she started at -0.2, meaning you have to add another 0.2 to the total she hiked vertically. If she'd started 0.2 above sea level, you'd have to subtract 0.2 from 1.4.