Question

Elevator 1 in a hotel moved from ground position to a final position of +18 feet. Elevator 2 in the same building moved from ground to a final position of −20 feet. Which statement best describes the final positions of these two elevators?
A: Elevator 1 is 18 feet below ground level, and Elevator 2 is 20 feet above ground level.

B: Elevator 1 is 18 feet above ground level, and Elevator 2 is 20 feet below ground level.

C: Elevator 1 is 18 feet above ground level, and Elevator 2 is 20 feet below the position of Elevator 1.

D: Elevator 1 is 18 feet below ground level, and Elevator 2 is 20 feet above the position of Elevator 1.

Answer 1

Answer: B. Elevator 1 is 18 feet above ground level, and Elevator 2 is 20 feet below ground level.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let "up" be positive and "down" be negative.

Both elevators start at position x = 0

The change in x (Δx) of Elevator 1 is +18 feet, which means it is 18 feet above the origin (which is ground level)

The change in x (Δx) of Elevator 2 is -20 feet, which means it is 20 feet below the origin (which is ground level)

Therefore, Elevator 1 is 18 feet above ground level, while Elevator 2 is 20 feet below