Question

Eddie is a diver. He dove to a depth of 40 feet below sea level. He, then, dove down another 4 feet. How far below sea level is he now?

• A. $44\text{feet}$
• B. $-44\text{feet}$
• C. $36\text{feet}$
• D. $36\text{feet}$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $44\text{feet}$

Depths below the sea surface are described by negative numbers, and heights above the sea level are described by positive numbers.

Current Position of Eddie $=(-40)+(-4)$

Step 1: First, find the absolute values of the integers $\Rightarrow$ $|-40|=40\&|-4|=4$

Step 2: Now, add $40+4=44$

Step 3: Then, we place the original sign to the sum $(-40)+(-4)=-44$

$\therefore$ Eddie is at $-44$ feet from the sea level or 44 feet below the sea level.