A dolphin is swimming 18 feet below the surface of the ocean. There is a coast guard helicopter 75.5 feet above the surface of the water that is directly above the dolphin. What is the distance between the dolphin and the helicopter?

Answer: Distance between dolphin and helicopter = 93.5 feet

Explanation:

Distance at which dolphin swimming below the ocean = (-) 18 feet

(it is represented as the negative number as it denotes the distance below the ocean)

Distance at which helicopter is above the ocean = (+) 75.5 feet

(it is represented as the positive number as it denotes the distance above the ocean)

Distance between dolphin and helicopter = 75.5 - (-18) feet

= 75.5 + 18 feet

= 93.5 feet