Question

A scuba diver is 5 3/4 feet below the water surface, or −5 3/4 She dives downward another 3 1/2 feet. Subtract to find her depth in feet: −5 3/4−3 1/2=

Answer 1

-5  3/4  -  3  1/2

-(5  3/4  +  3  1/2)

= - (5 + 3 +   3/4 + 1/2)

= -(8  +  3/4 + 2/4)

= -(8 + 5/4)

= -(8 +  1   1/4)

= - (9   1/4)

= - 9   1/4   ft


So her depth in feet is   9   1/4 feet. 

Answer 2

$-5 \frac{3}{4}$ = $\frac{-23}{4}$
3$\frac{1}{2}$ = [ tex] \frac{7}{2} [/tex] = $\frac{14}{4}$

$\frac{-23}{4}$- $\frac{14}{4}$ = $\frac{-37}{4}$=-19.25 feet