Question

A scientist measures the angle x and the distance y between the Earth 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 Sun.

Answer 1

He would use trignometric ratios to find the missing length (which is the hypotenuse of this right triangle). He knows the measure of the angle, and the length of the side opposite that angle. Which trig ratio identity uses opposite and hypotenuse?

Answer 2

Sin correct?

Answer 3

@StudyGurl14

Answer 4

but arent we finding the distance between sun and moon?

Answer 5

i mean earth and sun

Answer 6

Oh, oops. My mistake. Sorry! We are. So that involves the opposite and adjacent sides, which uses which trig identity?

Answer 7

So the Tan function

Answer 8

@StudyGurl14

Answer 9

yep; )

Answer 10

Alright so whats next @StudyGurl14

Answer 11

Well, so using that information, you can set up the equation tan x = y/d, where d= the distance between earth and the sun. And if the scientist knew the value of x and y, he could solve for d.

Answer 12

Ahh, i see, thanks!!!