Question

The moon forms a right triangle with the Earth and the Sun during one of its phases, as shown below:

A right angle triangle is shown with the Earth at the right angle. The acute angle between the line joining the Earth and the Sun and the Sun and the moon is x degrees. The distance between the Sun and the moon is y.

A scientist measures the angle x and the distance y between the Sun and the moon. Using complete sentences, explain how the scientist can use only these two measurements to calculate the distance between the Earth and the moon.

Answer 1

@jim_thompson5910

Answer 2

are you familiar with trigonometry (sine, cosine, tangent, etc)?

Answer 3

yes sir. see my problem is getting started, and then ill think i get it. then i screw myself up

Answer 4

We have a right triangle (right angle at Earth)

where is the hypotenuse?

Answer 5

its y

Answer 6

good

Answer 7

we want to find the distance from Earth to the Moon

Answer 8

what side is this? Opposite? Adjacent?

keep in mind you are using angle x (so that is your reference)

Answer 9

what do you mean what side is this?

Answer 10

are you familiar with the terms "opposite" and "adjacent"?

Answer 11

yes

Answer 12

so what is this side here