Naiomi M.

asked • 05/31/16

In navigational terms, a minute is one sixtieth of a degree, and a second is one sixtieth of a minute.

To the nearest foot, what is the length of a one-second arc on the equator? The radius of the earth is 3960 miles.

1 Expert Answer

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Mark M. answered • 05/31/16

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At the equator 360° = 3960 miles
1° = 11 miles
Knowing that one mile is 5280 feet you can determine the length of one minute and one second.
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Amy H.

I can't figure it out can u show me how to get the answer
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06/01/16

Mark M.

1° = 11(5280) ft
1° = 58080 ft
 
1' = 58080 ft/ 60   You should be able to do this calculation
 
1" = 58080 ft / 3600   Likewise
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06/01/16

Amy H.

So what's the final anseer
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06/01/16

Mark M.

No, you must do something! Do the indicated division.
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06/01/16

Amy H.

Is it 16.3
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06/01/16

Mark M.

The problem asks for two numbers: 1) the length of one minute (1'), and the length of one second (1").
You must respond with two numbers.
1" ≈ 16.13 feet 
1' ≈ ? That is 58080 ft / 60.
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06/01/16

Amy H.

Is it .016
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06/01/16

Mark M.

No, 58080 / 60 = 968.
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06/01/16

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