what is the difference beetween these two elevations

Question

mt. everst, the highest elevation in asia, is 29,028 feet above sea level. the dead sea, the lowest elevation, is 1,312 feet below sea level. what is the difference beetween these two elevations?

Answer 1

Hi Alannah,

 

This problem involves calculating the difference between a positive number and a negative number. When subtracting negative numbers, it's helpful to remember this saying:

"The enemy (-) of my enemy (-) is (=) my friend (+)"

 

In other words, when you are subtracting a negative number, such as 5- -1=?, you end up adding it! In the previous example, 5-(-1) = 5+1 = 6.

 

Your problem is similar:

 

29028 - (-1312) = ?

 

Try doing this the same way I did 5 - (-1) above :) Let me know if you want some more explanation!