Question

What is the distance to the earth's horizon from

Answer 1

Answer:   216.2 miles

Step-by-step explanation:

Alright, lets get started.

As the diagram shows, the line from point P is tangent to earth's curvature.

It means it is making right angle.

So the triangle formed will be  right triangle.

Hence we can use Pythagorean theorem in it.

So from point P to center of earth, it will be hypotenuse of triangle.

$c^2=a^2+b^2$

$(3959+5.9)^2=3959^2+x^2$

$3964.9^2=3959^2+x^2$

$15720432.01=15673681+x^2$

$x^2=46751.01$

taking square root, the x will be :

$x = 216.2$

hence the value of x is 216.2 miles.   :   Answer

Hope it will help :)