Question

estimation a group of students go out on a boat to go scuba diving. the instructor takes the group 47.58 feet below the surface to start. then they go up 30.78 feet and stop to see some fish. estimate the total change in distance from where they started at the surface. find the total change in distance from where they started at the surface.
a - 50 feet
b - 80 feet
c - 20 feet
d - 30 feet
the total change in distance from the surface is feet
(type an integer or a decimal.)

Explanation:

Step1: Define initial and change values

Let the initial depth be $- 47.58$ feet (negative as it is below the surface) and the upward movement be $+30.78$ feet.

Step2: Calculate total change

We use the formula for change in position: $-47.58 + 30.78$.
$-47.58+30.78=-16.8$ feet. Rounding to the nearest ten - foot value, it is approximately $- 20$ feet.

Answer:

C. - 20 feet