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#1 2011-07-25 21:55:13
- djohnstone3
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Band around the Earth
I have a problem with the solution! When the solution is stated they subtract formulas, but the original formula is in kilometers and the "added" measurement is in meters. Instead of 10, shouldn't it read .01.
#2 2011-07-25 22:01:55
- anonimnystefy
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Re: Band around the Earth
hi djohnstone3
welcome to the forum.
you are probably right but it would be nice if you could post the problem here.
The limit operator is just an excuse for doing something you know you can't.
“It's the subject that nobody knows anything about that we can all talk about!” ― Richard Feynman
“A secret's worth depends on the people from whom it must be kept.” ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón
#3 2011-07-25 22:16:38
- bobbym
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Re: Band around the Earth
Hi djohnstone3;
Welcome to the forum!
Where is the problem?
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
Probability is the most important concept in modern science, especially as nobody has the slightest notion what it means.
90% of mathematicians do not understand 90% of currently published mathematics.
#4 2011-07-25 22:20:00
- bob bundy
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Re: Band around the Earth
hi Stefy
I think it's this one
http://www.mathsisfun.com/puzzles/band-around-the-earth.html
to djohnstone3
The solution uses R without specifying units, so they could be meters.
When you subtract those units (whatever they are) all disappear leaving a formula for the gap, again no units specified.
So if you substitute a value of 10 meters the answer will be in meters.
Confused?
How about this?
My friend is 5 feet 8 inches tall.
I am 5 feet 6 inches tall.
How much taller is my friend?
5 feet 8 inches - 5 feet 6 inches = 2 inches. I don't have to change the feet to inches to do this.
Bob
Last edited by bob bundy (2012-01-10 05:38:52)
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
#5 2011-07-25 22:32:19
- anonimnystefy
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Re: Band around the Earth
hi bob
yes you are right.you could express it in km but it wouldn't change anything cuz the stuf in kilometres cancels out.
The limit operator is just an excuse for doing something you know you can't.
“It's the subject that nobody knows anything about that we can all talk about!” ― Richard Feynman
“A secret's worth depends on the people from whom it must be kept.” ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón
#6 2011-07-26 21:42:15
- djohnstone3
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Re: Band around the Earth
You do have the correct problem. The error occurs when the solution uses 10 kilometers as the added distance, when in fact the added distance is .01 kilometers.
#7 2011-07-27 00:12:16
- bob bundy
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Re: Band around the Earth
hi djohnstone3
Did you read my earlier post?
10 = 2 × pi × Gap
So, the Gap = 10 / (2 × pi) = 1.6m
That looks like 10 meters to me.
If you're still not convinced try converting all measurements into Km.
You'll get an answer of 0.0016 Km
Bob
Last edited by bob bundy (2011-07-27 00:15:57)
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
#8 2012-01-10 05:28:58
- Jasquith
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Re: Band around the Earth
Hi all,
Just had a crack at the Band Around the Earth problem. I get the right answer, but using a different method. I don't understand how the following subtraction occurs in the example given:
Before: Original Circumference = 2 × pi × R
After: Original Circumference + 10 = 2 × pi × (R + Gap)
to give: 10 = 2 × pi × Gap
The main problem that I have is that one cannot divide R out of the equation as it is added to Gap, nor can it be subtracted as it is multiplied by 2 pi.
If someone could explain this to me I'd be very grateful! Just to give some more info, my solution works by substituting the following two equations together:
R + Gap = 40,000,010 / 2 x pi
R = 40,000,000 / 2 x pi
to give:
(40,000,000 / 2 x pi) + Gap = 40,000,010 / 2 x pi
and thus:
Gap = (40,000,010 / 2 x pi) - (40,000,000 / 2 x pi)
The answer comes out in metres.
Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help!
John
#9 2012-01-10 05:35:03
- bob bundy
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Re: Band around the Earth
hi Jasquith
The earlier answers are just algebraic versions of your (partially) number solution.
Put C = 40 000 000 and the two come to the same thing.
Bob
Last edited by bob bundy (2012-01-10 05:35:50)
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
#11 2012-04-04 16:50:26
- anky2930
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Re: Band around the Earth
hi djohnstone3,
welcome to the forum. We need the question at least so that we can give answer.
#12 2012-04-04 16:55:24
- bob bundy
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Re: Band around the Earth
hi anky2930
I think he meant
http://www.mathsisfun.com/puzzles/band- … earth.html
and I think this was answered at the time.
Have a look and decide for yourself. 
Bob
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei