Question

A pelican dives from a height of 28 feet above the water's surface and reaches a depth of 5.5 feet below the water's surface. Which equation can you use to find the total distance d (in feet) that the pelican dropped?

A) d=28−5.5
B) d=−5.5
C) −5.5=28−d
D) d+28=−5.5
The pelican dropped a total of d feet.

Answer 1

To find the total distance that the pelican dropped, subtract the depth it reached in the water from the height from which it was dropped.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. To find the total distance that the pelican dropped, we need to calculate the difference between the height from which it was dropped and the depth it reached in the water. The equation that represents this is: d = h - d', where d is the total distance dropped, h is the height from which it was dropped, and d' is the depth reached in the water. In this case, h = 28 feet and d' = 5.5 feet. Substituting these values into the equation, we get: d = 28 - 5.5 = 22.5 feet. Therefore, the correct equation is d = 28 - 5.5.