Question

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

Answer 1

The scientist can use only the angle x and the distance y to calculate the distance between the Earth and the Sun using the cosine function.

cos x = BC / y

Solving for BC

BC = y cos x

BC is the distance between the Earth and the Sun :D