Sylvie and Bono hiked to the 6,288-ft summit of Mount Washington, then hiked to Carter Notch Hut for the night. Carter Notch Hut is located at an elevation of 3,288 ft.

Question

A number line going from negative 4000 to positive 4000 in increments of 1000.

Which point represents the change of elevation in feet on the hike from the summit to Carter Notch Hut?
–4000
–3000
3000
4000

Answer 1

To find the change in elevation from the summit of Mount Washington to Carter Notch Hut, we can subtract the elevation of Carter Notch Hut from the elevation of Mount Washington.

The elevation of Mount Washington = 6,288 ft
The elevation of Carter Notch Hut = 3,288 ft

Change in elevation = Elevation at Mount Washington - Elevation at Carter Notch Hut
Change in elevation = 6,288 ft - 3,288 ft = 3,000 ft

Since they are descending from the summit to Carter Notch Hut, this change in elevation will be negative:

Change in elevation = -3,000 ft

On the number line provided, the closest point to -3,000 is:

-4000 -3000 3000 4000

So, the correct answer representing the change of elevation in feet is –3000.