How many yarda does the Team need for the first down now

Question

The Football Team needs 10 yards for a first down the m loses 9 yards then gains 12 yards.

Answer 1

Start at 10 short:  -10

Lose 9 more:         -9

Gain 12:             +12

                     ------------

                          -7 yards

 

They are now 7 yards short of a first down

Answer 2

1st down and 10 yards to go:  they lose 9 yards , qB sack perhaps.

 

2nd down and 19 yards to go: they gain 12 yards.

 

3rd down and 7

 

They need to gain 7 yards on this 3rd down play.

Otherwise they will have to punt or try a field goal

if they're close enough. If they are close to the 

opponent's goal line and are brave enough, they

may try to score the touchdown on 4th and goal.

You didn't say what yard line they are on, so we

don't know.

The answer is 7.