Assuming that Earth is a sphere of radius 6378 kilometers, what is the difference in the latitudes of Syracuse, New York and Annapolis, Maryland, where Syracuse is about 450 kilometers due north of Annapolis?

Question

campbell_st · Answer

you have the arc length and radius.... just need to find the value of theta

$$l = r \theta $$

where theta is the subtended angle...in radians..

moonlitfate · Answer

So, theta is -- $$\theta = s/r$$ $$\theta = 6878/450$$

moonlitfate · Answer

*6378/450

campbell_st · Answer

other way round.... $$\theta = 450/6378$$

that will give an answer in radians.

To convert radians to degrees multiply by 

$$\frac{180}{\pi}$$

campbell_st · Answer

its around 4 degrees..

moonlitfate · Answer

Ah, I see where I messed up!  Thank you. :)

campbell_st · Answer

good luck