A helium balloon rose to 500 feet and was blown sideways for about a mile. Then it went up 350

feet, came down 100 feet, and went up 400 feet. What is the highest altitude the balloon reached?

What is IMPORTANT in this problem?

• All the information about how high the balloon went up and down

What is NOT IMPORTANT in this problem?

• That the balloon got blown sideways for about a mile.

In your journal, draw a number line like the one to the right. Fill in the number of feet the balloon rose and fell in each of the steps.

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Next, write the word problem in your journal as an equation. Give the final height as well.

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