A hiking trail starts at an elevation of 32 feet above sea level and reaches a highest point of 89 feet above sea level. What is the difference in elevation?

What the problem is asking

You are comparing two elevations on the same trail, the starting point and the highest point. The “difference in elevation” means how many feet you go up from the start to the highest point.

Subtract the lower elevation from the higher elevation

Highest elevation: $89$ ft

Starting elevation: $32$ ft

Compute the difference: $$89 - 32 = 57$$

Interpret the result

The trail rises $57$ feet from the starting elevation to its highest point.