The water level in a lake decreased by 2 1/4 inches in march and increased by 1 5/8 inches in april. Determine wether the water level increased or decreased and by how much 1. Increased by 3/8 2. Increased by 5/8 3. Increased by 5/8 4. Decreased by 5/8

Change in level is given by :

C = increase in level - decrease in level.

Now,

Decrease in level in March is 2 1/4 = 9/4 inches.

Increase in level in April is 1 5/8 = 13/8 inches.

Putting value of these in above equation, we get :

C = 13/8 - 9/4

C = 13/8 - 18/8

C = -5/8 inches

Therefore, the overall level after April will decrease by 5/8 inches.

Hence, option 4. is correct.