Math 55 ( Algebra)

Question

Light travels at the speed of approximately 186,000 miles per second. Write a formula that relates the number of miles (d) that the light can travel in seconds (s). How far does the light travel in 20 seconds ? How far does the light travel in 5 minutes ? If the sun is about 93,000,000 miles from earth, about how long would it take for sunlight to hit earth?

Answer 1

Hi Briana, the distance line travels, d, is equal to 186,000 times time, t, or 

 

d = 186000 * t

 

In 20 seconds, light travels:

 

d = 186000 * 20

 

d = 3,720,000 miles

 

In 5 minutes, or 300 seconds, light travels:

 

d = 186000 * 300

 

d = 55,800,000 miles

 

Time of sun light to reach the Earth:

 

t = d / 186000

 

t = 93000000 / 186000

 

t = 500 seconds

 

Questions?