Question

A submarine is at a depth of -5/6 meters below sea level. It rises 1/2 meter.



What is its new depth relative to sea level? Show all of your work and label your answers with the correct sign and you need to full points. Remember, if we are below sea level, our answer is negative. If we are above sea level, our answer is positive. Always simplify your answer.

Answer 1

Start with the initial depth: -5/6 m (below sea level). Rising 1/2 m means adding +1/2:

-5/6 + 1/2
= -5/6 + 3/6 (convert 1/2 to sixths)
= (-5 + 3)/6
= -2/6
= -1/3 (simplified)

Answer: -1/3 meters (still below sea level).