Question

In the following exercises, solve.

On January 21, the high temperature in Palm Springs, California, was $89°$, and the high temperature in Whitefield, New Hampshire, was $-31°$. What was the difference between the temperature in Palm Springs and the temperature in Whitefield?

Short answer

The difference between the temperature in Palm Springs and the temperature in Whitefield is$120°$.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given Information. 

The high temperature in Palm Springs, California is given to be $89°$.

The high temperature in Whitefield, New Hampshire is given to be $-31°$.

Step 2. Identify the quantity asked and write a phrase. 

It is required to calculate the difference between the high temperature in Palm Springs, California, and the high temperature in Whitefield, New Hampshire.

The high temperature in Palm Springs, California is given to be$89°$ and the high temperature in Whitefield, New Hampshire is given to be $-31°$.

So, it is required to calculate the difference of 89 and $-31$.

Step 3. Translate the phrase into a mathematical expression. 

The phrase "the difference of $a$and $b$" indicates the subtraction operation and is written as $a-b$.

Write the phrase "the difference of 89 and $-31$" as a mathematical expression.

$89-\left(-31\right)$

Step 4. Calculation. 

Rewrite the obtained expression using the subtraction property, $a-b=a+\left(-b\right)$.

$89-\left(-31\right)=89+31$

Add 89 and 31.

$89+31=120$

Step 5. Conclusion.

The difference between the temperature in Palm Springs and the temperature in Whitefield is$120°$.