Due to excessive heat, the water level in a dam decreased by 8.8 meters last month. Now, the water level is 95.3 meters. Which equation represents the water level, w , of the dam last month? What was the water level last month?(1 point)

Question

Responses

w − 8.8 = 95.3; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.
w minus 8.8 equals 95.3 ; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.

w − 95.3 = 8.8; the water level of the dam last month was 86.5 meters.
w minus 95.3 equals 8.8 ; the water level of the dam last month was 86.5 meters.

w + 95.3 = 8.8; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.
w plus 95.3 equals 8.8 ; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.

w + 8.8 = 95.3; the water level of the dam last month was 86.5 meters.

Answer 1

To determine the water level of the dam last month, we need to set up an equation based on the information provided.

Let \( w \) represent the water level last month. According to the problem, the water level decreased by 8.8 meters to reach the current level of 95.3 meters. Therefore, we can express this relationship with the following equation:

\[ w - 8.8 = 95.3 \]

Now, we can solve for \( w \):

\[ w = 95.3 + 8.8 \] \[ w = 104.1 \]

Thus, the correct equation is \( w - 8.8 = 95.3 \), and the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.

So the correct response is: w − 8.8 = 95.3; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.