Problem 34 - Algebra A Combined Function

Question

Use integers to represent the values in each statement.Driskill Mountain, in Louisiana, has an altitude of 535 feet. New Orleans, Louisiana, lies 8 feet below sea level. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Driskill Mountain is +535, New Orleans is -8.

Step 1: Determine Driskill Mountain's Altitude

The altitude of Driskill Mountain is given as 535 feet above sea level. Representing this as an integer, we get the value of 535.

Step 2: Determine New Orleans' Altitude

New Orleans' altitude is given as 8 feet below sea level. This can be represented by the integer -8, since it is below the baseline of sea level.

Step 3: Interpret the Values

We have represented the altitude of Driskill Mountain as 535 (above sea level) and New Orleans as -8 (below sea level). These integers convey that one location is significantly above sea level, while the other is just slightly below it.

Key Concepts

Understanding Altitude

Altitude is a way to describe how high or low a location is in relation to sea level. When we measure the height of something like a mountain, we say it has a certain altitude. For example, Driskill Mountain in Louisiana has an altitude of 535 feet. This means the peak of the mountain is 535 feet higher than the average surface level of the ocean, which is considered sea level. Altitude helps us understand not just the height but also gives us a sense of geography and climate. Generally, locations with high altitude tend to have cooler temperatures.

Concept of 'Below Sea Level'

When we say a place is 'below sea level,' we mean its altitude is lower than the average level of the ocean's surface. New Orleans, Louisiana, is one such place, lying 8 feet below sea level. This means if you were to go from sea level into New Orleans, you would be moving downward. Places below sea level can be vulnerable to flooding, especially if they are near large bodies of water. It's important to keep track of such places for weather forecasts and urban planning to prevent and manage flooding issues.

Integer Representation in Altitude Measurement

Integers are whole numbers that include positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero. When representing altitudes, integers are used because they help to easily depict locations above or below sea level.

• A positive integer indicates a location above sea level. For instance, Driskill Mountain's altitude is represented by +535 because it is 535 feet above sea level.
• A negative integer indicates a location below sea level. New Orleans is represented by -8 because it is 8 feet below the sea level mark.

Using integers make it straightforward to compare different altitudes, and the positive or negative sign quickly informs whether the value is above or below sea level.