Answer:
The dolphin is located 7 feet below the surface
Step-by-step explanation:
Step 1
Determine the reference point
The reference point is at water surface=0 feet
Step 2
The location of the dolphin 40 feet below the surface can be expressed as;
Initial location=0-40=-40 feet
Step 3
The location after rising 23 feet, means it is moving towards the surface. This can be expressed as;
Location 1=Initial location+distance of rise
Location 1=-40+23=-17 feet or 17 feet below the surface
Step 4
The location after sinking 17 feet below location 1 can be expressed as;
Location 2=-17-17=-34 or 34 feet below the surface
Step 5
The final location after the dolphin rises another 27 feet can be expressed as;
final location=location 2+27 feet
final location=-34+27=-7 feet or 7 feet below the surface
The dolphin is located 7 feet below the surface