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7th grade (Eureka Math/EngageNY)

Lesson 3: Topic C: Applying operations with rational numbers to expressions and equations

Interpreting negative number statements

New policies reduced the overuse of water in an area. The

in that area went up by 1, point, 2 meters in one year. The water table was 12, point, 5 meters below the surface at the start of the year.

The following equation describes this situation.

minus, 12, point, 5, plus, 1, point, 2, equals, minus, 11, point, 3

What does minus, 11, point, 3 tell us?

(Choice A)
The water table was 11, point, 3 meters below the surface at the end of the year.
(Choice B)
Each household used 11, point, 3 fewer liters of water during the year.
(Choice C)
The water table went down by 11, point, 3 meters in one year.

Stuck?