Problems 89 and 90 require the following discussion: The shortest distance between two points on Earths surface
Question:
Problems 89 and 90 require the following discussion: The shortest distance between two points on Earth’s surface can be determined from the latitude and longitude of the two locations. For example, if location 1 has (lat, lon) = (α1, β1) and location 2 has (lat, lon) = (α2, β2), the shortest distance between the two locations is approximately d = r cos−1 [(cosα1 cosβ1 cosα2 cosβ2) + (cosα1 sinβ1 cosα2 sinβ2) + (sinα1 sinα2)]. where r = radius of Earth ≈ 3960 miles and the inverse cosine function is expressed in radians. Also, N latitude and E longitude are positive angles, and S latitude and W longitude are negative angles.
Find the shortest distance from Chicago, latitude 41°50' N, longitude 87°37' W, to Honolulu, latitude 21°18' N, longitude 157°50' W. Round your answer to the nearest mile.
Step by Step Answer:
Precalculus Concepts Through Functions A Unit Circle Approach To Trigonometry
ISBN: 9780137945139
5th Edition
Authors: Michael Sullivan