the radius of the earth is 3960 miles. the distance along an arc on the surface of the earth that subtends a central angle of 5 minutes (1min. =1/60 degree) is approximately ( ? ) miles.

Answer 1

the radius of the earth is 3960 miles. the distance along an arc on the surface of the earth that subtends a central angle of 5 minutes (1min. =1/60 degree) is approximately ( ? ) miles.

Arc/ Radius = Angle

Arc = Radius * angle

angle is in radians

180 degree = pi radian

180*60 min = pi radian

1 min = pi/( 180*60 ) radian

5 min = 5* pi/( 180*60) radian

Arc = (5*pi*3960)/( 10800) miles