Solve the problem.
-A plane is flying at a height of 15,441 feet above the surface of the ocean. The depth of the ocean directly below the plane is 19,573 feet. What is the vertical distance between the plane and the floor of the ocean?
A) 4132 ft
B) 35,114 ft
C) 35,014 ft
D) 4232 ft

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The vertical distance between the plane and the ocean floor is simply the difference between the height of the plane and the depth of the ocean directly below it. 
Vertical distance = height of plane - depth of ocean 
Vertical distance = 15,441 ft - 19,573 ft 
Vertical distance = -4,132 ft 
Since we want the distance to be positive, we take the absolute value: 
Vertical distance = 4,132 ft 
Therefore, the best choice is C, or 35,014 ft (which is the absolute value of the vertical distance in feet, rounded to the nearest whole number).

Solve the Problem. -A Plane Is Flying at a Height of 15,441 Feet