Use Negative Numbers in Context and Calculate Intervals Across Zero 4 - Reasoning

In this mathematical scenario, students are asked to apply their understanding of negative numbers and calculate the position of a submarine in relation to the sea floor. The context given is that the sea bed is at a depth of -1,654 metres below sea level. The submarine is navigating through the depths, maintaining a position 350 metres above the seabed. The task for the students is to determine the height of the submarine from the sea level, taking into account the negative value representing the depth of the sea.

To find the answer, students must perform a calculation that involves adding the distance of the submarine above the sea floor to the depth of the sea floor itself. Since the sea floor is at -1,654 metres, and the submarine is 350 metres higher than this point, the calculation is -1,654 m + 350 m. This results in an answer of -1,304 metres, indicating that the submarine is 1,304 metres below sea level. This exercise not only tests students' numerical skills but also their ability to understand and apply negative numbers in real-world contexts.