Just how far can I see? The short assessment question uses the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance to the horizon from a given altitude. Scholars use the relationship of a tangent segment and the radius of a circle to find the solution to the problem.

Concepts

tangent lines, pythagorean theorem, radius, altitude, distance, circles

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Ask the class to graph the relationship between altitude and distance to the horizon

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes students understand the tangent line is perpendicular to a radius
• The class must know the approximate radius of the Earth

Pros

• Includes a diagram to illustrate the problem in the answer key
• Designates the mathematical processes involved in the problem

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSG-SRT.C.7 HSG-C.A.2 MP1 MP5 MP6