Problem 96 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

The peak of Mount Whitney is \(14,494\) feet above sea level. Mount Whitney can be seen directly above Death Valley, which is 282 feet below sea level. What is the difference in elevation between these geographic locations?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The difference in elevation between Mount Whitney and Death Valley is \(14,776\) feet.

Step 1: Convert Elevations Relative to Sea Level

First, convert the elevation of Mount Whitney and Death Valley relative to sea level. Mount Whitney is already given as \(14,494\) feet above sea level, so this converts to \(+14,494\). Death Valley is given as 282 feet below sea level, so this converts to \(-282\).

Step 2: Calculate the Difference in Elevation

Next, find the difference in elevation between the two locations. The difference in elevation between two points is simply the absolute difference between their elevations. So, the difference in elevation is \(|14,494 - (-282)|\).

Step 3: Simplify

The expression simplifies to \(|14,494 + 282|\), then further simplifies to \(|14,776|\), which is simply \(14,776\).