If the Atlantic Ocean is widening at a rate of 3 cm per year, how far (in miles) will it spread in a million years? (1 point)

Question

• 18.6 miles
• 30 miles
O 186.4 miles
O 1.9 miles

Answer 1

To find out how far the Atlantic Ocean will widen in a million years, we can use the following calculation:

1. The Atlantic Ocean is widening at a rate of 3 cm per year.
2. We need to calculate the total widening over 1 million years.

Total widening in centimeters: \[ 3 , \text{cm/year} \times 1,000,000 , \text{years} = 3,000,000 , \text{cm} \]

3. Now we convert centimeters to miles. We know:

• 1 inch = 2.54 cm
• 1 foot = 12 inches
• 1 mile = 5,280 feet

First, convert centimeters to inches: \[ 3,000,000 , \text{cm} \div 2.54 , \text{cm/inch} \approx 1,181,102.36 , \text{inches} \]

Now, convert inches to feet: \[ 1,181,102.36 , \text{inches} \div 12 , \text{inches/foot} \approx 98,425.19 , \text{feet} \]

Finally, convert feet to miles: \[ 98,425.19 , \text{feet} \div 5,280 , \text{feet/mile} \approx 18.64 , \text{miles} \]

Rounding to one decimal place gives approximately 18.6 miles.

So, the Atlantic Ocean will spread approximately 18.6 miles in a million years.

The correct answer is: 18.6 miles.