Question

Gemma, a scuba diver, begins a dive on the side of a boat 4 feet above sea level. She descends 28 feet. Which integer represents Gemma’s position with respect to sea level?

–32

Answer 1

-24 feet

Explanation:

Because she is 4 feet above sea level, she can descend 4 feet to be at sea level. Now she only has to descend 24 feet below sea level, which is -24 feet.

Answer 2

-24 feet

Explanation:

Boat is 4 feet above sea level => +4 feet

She descends 28 feet => -28 feet

Position = +4-28 = -24 feet

Therefore,

Gemma is 24 feet below the sea level