Let's solve this problem step-by-step using the given information.
1. Initial Position:
The scuba diver starts at a depth of 55 feet below the water's surface. In this context, "below the surface" is usually represented by a negative number. Therefore, the initial depth is:
[tex]\[
-55 \text{ feet}
\][/tex]
2. Movement:
The scuba diver then moves up 25 feet. Moving up in this context reduces the depth or makes the value less negative. So we add 25 feet to the initial position:
[tex]\[
\text{Depth change} = +25 \text{ feet}
\][/tex]
3. Calculating the New Depth:
We can calculate the new depth by adding the depth change to the initial position:
[tex]\[
\text{New depth} = -55 + 25
\][/tex]
Simplifying this:
[tex]\[
\text{New depth} = -30 \text{ feet}
\][/tex]
4. Interpretation:
Thus, the coral reef is 30 feet below the water's surface.
5. Conclusion:
The correct interpretation of the equation in the context of the problem is:
[tex]\[
C. \text{The equation is } -55 + 25 = -30. \text{ The coral reef is 30 feet below the water's surface.}
\][/tex]
This outlines a detailed and clear explanation illustrating how to derive the location of the coral reef from the given information.
