A scuba diver dove down 12 meters to reach a tropical reef 39 meters below the surface of the water. What was the scuba diver's position, \( n \), relative to the surface before the dive?

To determine the scuba diver's position, we need to find out how deep they were before the dive. Since the reef is 39 meters below the surface and the diver dove down 12 meters to reach it, we can set up the equation: \( n - 12 = -39 \) (where \( n \) is the diver's position relative to the surface). Solving for \( n \), we add 12 to both sides: \( n = -39 + 12 = -27 \). Thus, the diver's position relative to the surface before the dive was 27 meters below the surface. However, don’t be fooled by the numbers; depth can be like that catchy song you can’t get out of your head! You dive deep into the blue and suddenly are well below the surface, creating an adventurous plunge into the ocean’s mysteries. Fun fact: Scuba diving has roots going back to ancient times! In the 5th century BC, sponge divers in Greece and their techniques laid the groundwork for modern diving methods. Those ancient pioneers used primitive breathing apparatuses like hollow reeds to explore underwater treasures. It's a rich history that adds some depth to the experience we enjoy today!