The distance from Earth to the sun is approximately 9X10⁷· miles. The diameter of Earth is approximately 8,000 miles. The distance from Earth to the sun is approximately how many × the diameter of Earth?

Rationale

The distance from Earth to the sun is approximately 11,000 times the diameter of Earth.

To calculate how many times the diameter of Earth fits into the distance from Earth to the sun, divide the distance (approximately 9X10⁷ miles) by the diameter of Earth (approximately 8,000 miles). This results in about 11,250, which rounds to approximately 11,000.

A (1000) YOUR ANSWER

Dividing the distance from Earth to the sun by the diameter of Earth yields a result much larger than 1,000. Specifically, the calculation shows that the distance is around 11,250 times the diameter, indicating that this choice significantly underestimates the ratio.

B (9000) YOUR ANSWER

While 9000 is closer to the actual value than 1000, it still does not accurately represent the calculation. The actual ratio is approximately 11,250, which exceeds 9000, thereby making this option incorrect.

C (11000) CORRECT

This is the correct answer, as dividing the distance from Earth to the sun (approximately 9X10⁷ miles) by the diameter of Earth (approximately 8,000 miles) results in a number around 11,250. Therefore, 11,000 is the closest rounded estimate.

D (90000) YOUR ANSWER

This option significantly overestimates the ratio. The calculated distance from Earth to the sun is only about 11,250 times the diameter of Earth, making 90,000 an inaccurate figure that misrepresents the scale of the measurement.

E (9000000) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is astronomically high and not reflective of the calculated ratio. The real distance is much smaller in comparison to this exaggerated figure, which does not align with the actual proportional relationship between the two measurements.

Conclusion

The distance from Earth to the sun is approximately 11,000 times the diameter of Earth, derived from dividing 9X10⁷ miles by 8,000 miles. Choice C accurately captures this ratio, while all other options either underestimate or overestimate the relationship. Understanding this ratio is crucial for grasping the vast distances in our solar system relative to our planet's size.