Explanation:
Let x be the elevation from which the plane took off. 
The plane climbed 20,000 feet to reach an elevation of 21,250 feet. 
So, the difference between the two elevations is: 
21,250 - 20,000 = 1,250 
This difference is equal to the elevation from which the plane took off minus the initial elevation of 20,000 feet: 
x - 20,000 = 1,250 
Solving for x: 
x = 1,250 + 20,000 
x = 21,250 
Therefore, the plane took off from an elevation of 21,250 feet.