Question

the elevations of four locations are shown in the table. which statement is true?

location	elevation (meters)
death valley	$-86$
salton trough	$-69$
rio bravo	$95$

• rio bravo has a lower elevation than salton trough.
• rio bravo is closer to sea level than death valley.
• new orleans is closer to sea level than salton trough.
• new orleans has a lower elevation than death valley.

Explanation:

Step1: Define elevation proximity rule

Closeness to sea level (0 meters) is determined by the absolute value of elevation: $|\text{Elevation}|$. Smaller absolute value = closer to sea level. Lower elevation means a smaller numerical value (more negative or smaller positive).

Step2: Evaluate first statement

Rio Bravo elevation: $95$, Salton Trough elevation: $-69$. Since $95 > -69$, Rio Bravo has a higher elevation. Statement is false.

Step3: Evaluate second statement

Rio Bravo: $|95| = 95$, Death Valley: $|-86| = 86$. Since $95 > 86$, Death Valley is closer. Statement is false.

Step4: Evaluate third statement

New Orleans: $|-2| = 2$, Salton Trough: $|-69| = 69$. Since $2 < 69$, New Orleans is closer. Statement is true.

Step5: Evaluate fourth statement

New Orleans elevation: $-2$, Death Valley elevation: $-86$. Since $-2 > -86$, New Orleans has a higher elevation. Statement is false.

Answer:

New Orleans is closer to sea level than Salton Trough.