Answer:
The approximate distance is 15416 miles....
Step-by-step explanation:
We have given:
A satellite is 19,000 miles from the horizon of earth.
The radius is 4,000 miles.
Lets say that BC =x
AO = OB = 4,000 miles
AC = 19,000 miles
The tangent from the external point forms right angle with the radius of the circle.
So in ΔABC
(OC)² = (AC)²+(OA)²
where OC = x+4000
AC = 19,000
OA = 4000
Therefore,
(x+4000)² = (19,000)² +(4,000)²
Take square root at both sides:
√(x+4000)² = √(19,000)² +(4,000)²
x+4000 =√361000000+16000000
x+4000 = √377000000
x+4000 = 19416.48
x= 19416.48 - 4000
x = 15416.48
Therefore the approximate distance is 15416 miles....
