Problem 83 - Algebra A Combined Function

Question

The highest point in Africa is Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, at an elevation of 19,340 feet. The lowest point is Lake Assal, Djibouti, at 512 feet below sea level. How much higher is Mt. Kilimanjaro than Lake Assal? (Source: National Geographic Society)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Mt. Kilimanjaro is 19,852 feet higher than Lake Assal.

Step 1: Identify the Elevation Levels

First, note the given elevation levels: Mt. Kilimanjaro is at 19,340 feet above sea level and Lake Assal is at 512 feet below sea level. This means Lake Assal has an elevation of -512 feet (negative indicates below sea level).

Step 2: Calculate Elevation Difference

To find how much higher Mt. Kilimanjaro is than Lake Assal, calculate the difference in their elevations. The formula used is: \( \text{Difference} = \text{Elevation of Mt. Kilimanjaro} - \text{Elevation of Lake Assal} \).

Step 3: Substitute Values and Solve

Substitute the known values into the formula: \( \text{Difference} = 19,340 - (-512) \). Simplifying this, the equation becomes \( 19,340 + 512 \) because subtracting a negative is equivalent to adding its positive counterpart.

Step 4: Final Calculation

Complete the calculation: \( 19,340 + 512 = 19,852 \). So, Mt. Kilimanjaro is 19,852 feet higher than Lake Assal.

Key Concepts

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Standing proudly in Tanzania, Mt. Kilimanjaro is not only the highest peak in Africa but also a landmark rich in natural beauty and ecological diversity. Its summit, known as Uhuru Peak, reaches an impressive altitude of 19,340 feet above sea level. This towering mountain is actually a dormant volcano composed of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
Visitors and climbers often marvel at Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peaks, which contrast gloriously with the lush rainforest around its base. The journey to the top is both challenging and rewarding, attracting adventurers from around the world seeking to conquer its heights.

Lake Assal

Lake Assal, located in Djibouti, holds the title of the lowest point in Africa, with its shores lying 512 feet below sea level. This saltwater lake is a geological wonder, with its high salinity content making it one of the most saline bodies of water globally.
The lake's setting in a volcanic crater adds an otherworldly charm, and its stark landscape with white salt flats, contrasted by turquoise waters, offers breathtaking scenery. Despite its harsh conditions, Lake Assal is a significant source of salt production and an important cultural landmark for the people of Djibouti.

• Significantly saline due to evaporation.
• Located in a volcanic crater.
• An important site for salt production.

below sea level

Being below sea level means that a location is situated lower than the world's average ocean surface level. Typically measured using a geoid, which represents the mean sea level across the globe, this concept helps us understand the positioning of various geographical features.
Places below sea level can have unique environmental conditions. They often appear in rift valleys or depressions, which can affect climate and wildlife. Such areas require specific considerations for human habitation due to potential flooding risks and other environmental impacts.

negative elevation

Negative elevation refers to the positioning of a geographic point beneath the standard sea level. It's marked with a minus sign (-), indicating that the location is lower than the datum provided by the global sea level.
This is crucial in understanding elevation differences between notable points, like Mt. Kilimanjaro and Lake Assal, as seen in our exercise. Lake Assal's elevation is given as -512 feet, reflecting its position below sea level. Handling negative numbers carefully is key when calculating elevation differences, just as subtracting a negative number yields a positive result in the case of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Lake Assal.

• Denoted by a negative sign.
• Indicates position below sea level.
• Essential for calculating height differences.