A commercial jet liner hits an air pocket and drops 212 feet. After climbing 151 ​feet, it drops another 179 feet. What is its overall vertical​ change?

Answer 1

The overall vertical change can be determined by adding the individual vertical changes.

First, the jet liner drops 212 feet.
Then, it climbs 151 feet.
Finally, it drops another 179 feet.

Therefore, the overall vertical change is -212 + 151 - 179 = -240 feet.

Note that the negative sign indicates that the jet liner went downwards.