the water level of a river is below normal levels. its water level is at 1 1/2 meters below sea level. during the summer, the river drops another 2 1/3 meters below sea level. what is the water level at the end of summer? remember, the elevation is below sea level. account for this in your answer.(1 point) the water level is meters below sea level

1 answer

To find the water level of the river at the end of summer, we need to add the two depths below sea level together.

The initial water level is 1 1/2 meters below sea level, which can be expressed as: \[ 1 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{2} \text{ meters below sea level} \]

During the summer, the river drops another 2 1/3 meters below sea level, which can be expressed as: \[ 2 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{7}{3} \text{ meters below sea level} \]

Next, we add these two amounts together: \[ \frac{3}{2} + \frac{7}{3} \]

To add these fractions, we need a common denominator. The least common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6.

Now, we convert each fraction: \[ \frac{3}{2} = \frac{3 \times 3}{2 \times 3} = \frac{9}{6} \] \[ \frac{7}{3} = \frac{7 \times 2}{3 \times 2} = \frac{14}{6} \]

Now we can add the fractions: \[ \frac{9}{6} + \frac{14}{6} = \frac{9 + 14}{6} = \frac{23}{6} \]

Now we convert \(\frac{23}{6}\) back to a mixed number: \[ \frac{23}{6} = 3 \frac{5}{6} \]

Thus, the water level at the end of summer is \(3 \frac{5}{6}\) meters below sea level.

Answer: The water level is \(3 \frac{5}{6}\) meters below sea level.