Unit Circle

If you know that in Egypt, at Seyne well, the sun shines

directly overhead and down on the water, while at
Alexandria – at the same time – the sun shines at an angle
of 7.5 degrees (θ). Knowing that the distance (S) between
Alexandria and Syene is approximately 500 miles (5,000
stadia), can you find the circumference of the Earth?

Answer (Animation in PowerPoint)

To find the circumference of the Earth, we will first need
to find its radius. The radius of the circle is equal to (in terms of the unit circle) s , θ is equal to
θ
π which approximately equals 0.1309 radians. The arc of the circle (S) is equal to 500 miles,
7.5 ×
180
so the radius is equal to 500 which approximately equals 3819.71 miles. The circumference of
0.1309
the Earth equals

2 × π × 3819.7 1 which approximately equals 24,000 miles.

T.P.S
Calculate the circumference of the Earth if the sun was to shine in Alexandria at an angle of
7°12′.