Solve the problem.
-The weight of a person on or above the surface of the earth varies inversely as the square of the distance the person is from the center of the earth. If a person weighs 180 pounds on the surface of
The earth and the radius of the earth is 3900 miles, what will the person weigh if he or she is 250
Miles above the earthʹs surface? Round your answer to the nearest hundredth of a pound.
A) 158.47 lb
B) 160.37 lb
C) 158.97 lb
D) 159.37 lb

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The weight of a person varies inversely as the square of the distance from the center of the Earth. So, if $W_1$ and $W_2$ are the weights at distances $D_1$ and $D_2$ from the center, then $W_1D_1^2 = W_2D_2^2$. Given $W_1 = 180$ pounds at $D_1 = 3900$ miles (radius of Earth), and $D_2 = 3900 + 250 = 4150$ miles, we find $W_2$ by solving $180 \times 3900^2 = W_2 \times 4150^2$. Solving for $W_2$ gives approximately 158.97 pounds.

Solve the Problem. -The Weight of a Person on or Above the Surface