Addition of positive and negative integers

Question

The deepest point of lake Titicaca in South Africa is -922 ft relative to its surface. The deepest point is 11,542 ft above sea level. What is the elevation of the surface of the lake? Use absolute value to explain.

Answer 1

11542 + | -922 | = ?

Answer 2

Since the deepest part is 11542'; that's the elevation.