Problem Solving 34. Geography The Mariana Trench has been measured at \( 1.0923 \times 10^{4} \) meters below sea level. The peak of Mt. Everest is \( 8.848 \times 10^{3} \) meters above sea level. Which of these is a greater distance from sea level?

To find out which is farther from sea level, we can compare their absolute distances. The Mariana Trench is at \( 1.0923 \times 10^{4} \) meters below sea level, which is approximately 10,923 meters down. On the other hand, Mt. Everest reaches \( 8.848 \times 10^{3} \) meters above sea level, which is about 8,848 meters up. When you add both distances together (10,923 + 8,848), you see that the Mariana Trench is the greater distance from sea level! Just imagine the extremes here: the Mariana Trench, the deepest ocean trench on the planet, could fit Mt. Everest in it, with room to spare! It’s a thrilling thought to picture both extremes of Earth’s landscape showcasing just how diverse and extreme our planet can be.