In order to determine which situation results in a change that could be modeled by a negative number, we need to look for a scenario where the change in elevation represents a decrease in height.
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A change in elevation from 492 feet to 783 feet: This represents an increase in elevation (783 - 492 = 291 feet).
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A change in elevation from –12 feet to 123 feet: This represents an increase in elevation (123 - (-12) = 123 + 12 = 135 feet).
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A change in elevation from sea level to 87 feet: Sea level is represented by 0 feet, so this is an increase (87 - 0 = 87 feet).
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A change in elevation from 632 feet to 312 feet: This represents a decrease in elevation (312 - 632 = -320 feet).
The situation that results in a change that could be modeled by a negative number is:
A change in elevation from 632 feet to 312 feet.