Which situation results in a change that could be modeled by a negative number?

a change in elevation from 492 feet to 783 feet
a change in elevation from –12 feet to 123 feet
a change in elevation from sea level to 87 feet
a change in elevation from 632 feet to 312 feet

1 answer

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.

  1. A change in elevation from 492 feet to 783 feet: This represents an increase in elevation (783 - 492 = 291 feet).

  2. A change in elevation from –12 feet to 123 feet: This represents an increase in elevation (123 - (-12) = 123 + 12 = 135 feet).

  3. 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).

  4. 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.