A serene landscape showing a dam sits at the focal point, surrounded by expansive views of rocky terrain and deep blue sky. The dam is massive, filled with water, though the water level appears lower than usual. Receding shorelines indicate a decrease in water level, with the watermark evidence on the dam wall showing the difference in the water level. The sun shines brightly overhead, casting a harsh light on the setting. Foreground illustrates parched earth and wilting vegetation, indicative of excessive heat and little rain. Waves caused by an imaginary gust of wind, ripple across the reduced water surface.

Due to excessive heat, the water level in a dam decreased by 8.8 meters last month. Now, the water level is 95.3 meters. Which equation represents the water level, w , of the dam last month? What was the water level last month?(1 point)

Responses

w − 8.8 = 95.3; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.
w minus 8.8 equals 95.3 ; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.

w + 95.3 = 8.8; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.
w plus 95.3 equals 8.8 ; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.

w − 95.3 = 8.8; the water level of the dam last month was 86.5 meters.
w minus 95.3 equals 8.8 ; the water level of the dam last month was 86.5 meters.

w + 8.8 = 95.3; the water level of the dam last month was 86.5 meters.
w plus 8.8 equals 95.3 ; the water level of the dam last month was 86.5 meters.

The correct equation is w + 8.8 = 95.3; the water level of the dam last month was 86.5 meters.

The correct equation that represents the water level, w, of the dam last month is: w - 8.8 = 95.3. Therefore, the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.

To solve this problem, we need to think logically about the given information. The water level in the dam decreased by 8.8 meters last month, and the current water level is 95.3 meters. We want to find the water level of the dam last month.

Since the water level decreased by 8.8 meters, we need to subtract this value from the current water level. So, the equation that represents the water level, w, of the dam last month is:

w - 8.8 = 95.3.

To find the value of w, we can rearrange the equation to isolate w:

w = 95.3 + 8.8.

Evaluating this expression, we find:

w = 104.1.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

w - 8.8 = 95.3; the water level of the dam last month was 104.1 meters.