The Dallas Cowboys were on their 15-yard line. On the next four plays they gained 8 yards, lost 12 yards, lost 4 yards and gained 26 yards. From what yard line will they start their next play?

Answer 1

Start at 15 yards

First play = +8 yards (15+8=23)

Second play = -12 yards (23-12=11)

Third play = -4 yards (11-4=7)

Fourth play = +26 yards (7+26=33)

Final position is 33 yard line.

Total equation: 15+8-12-4+26=33

Answer 2

This is how I would go about tackling this problem;

Step 1: Draw a picture of a football field with the appropriate yard markers (see line for a pictureby going to the following linik: https://www.google.com/search?q=football+field&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS812US812&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjKpP3NqY7eAhWH6YMKHe89ADgQ_AUIDigB&biw=1196&bih=506#imgrc=vSiIHOG_lzZCvM:

-Start with putting in all the major yard markers at every 10 yards, as you would see on a football field ( 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 0), Then put in the smaller yard increments,.

Now use a pencil to track each plan (add/subtract yards) for each play (like broadcasters do on Monday Night football:)

Since it says the are on THEIR 15 Yard Line (in case you don't follow football) that means they have another 85 yards to go to score a touchdown.

Ok now lets draw our lines and add and subtract are yardage for each play/down

Step 1: Draw an x or dot to mark were we are starting at the 15 yard line (to mark of the starting point). I would start with the 15 yard line on the left side so you are going from left to right. In other words the Cowboys 15 yard line is on the left, and they are trying to score a touchdown by moving from left to right down the field.

Step 2: Now lets do the "play by play" and add and subtract the yards and mark them as we go.

Play #1::

- They gained 8 yards so we are going up the field by 8 yards from our stating point at the 15 yard line.

1. 15yards + 8 yards = 23, so now we are at the 23 yard line.
2. Play #2: We start at the 23 yard line, but this time the cowbows lose 12 yards. So we are going to GO BACK 12 YARDS to the left. In other words we subtract 12 yards from 23 yards to get 11 yards.:
3. 23 yards - 12 yards = 11 yards, .... we are at the 11 yard line.
4. Play #3: From the 11 yard line, we lose another 4 yards. 4 yards subtracted from 11 yards places the Cowboys at the their own 6 yard line.
5. 11 yards - 4 yards = 6 yards.

1. Play #4: From the 6 yard line, they GAIN 26 yards.
2. 6 yards + 26 yards = 32 yards
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ANSWER after four plays the Cowboys are now on their OWN 32 YARD LINE to START THEIR NEXT PLAY.

1. This is assuming they had not already punted it away on 3rd down...haha.
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Answer 3

15 + 8 - 12 - 4 + 26 = 49 - 16 = 33