7/22/2019 MFM2P-B - Unit 2

1/9

Paula Rodriguez (13036033)

Math MFM2P-B

Unit 2

7/22/2019 MFM2P-B - Unit 2

2/9

7/22/2019 MFM2P-B - Unit 2

3/9

7/22/2019 MFM2P-B - Unit 2

4/9

7/22/2019 MFM2P-B - Unit 2

5/9

7/22/2019 MFM2P-B - Unit 2

6/9

7/22/2019 MFM2P-B - Unit 2

7/9

7/22/2019 MFM2P-B - Unit 2

8/9

Key Question 32

The student knew he had made an error because sine = opposite/hypotenuse. The hypotenuse is always the largest side;

therefore the bottom number must always be greater, which was not true in his case. His calculator would give him error

because a sine ratio greater than 1 is impossible.

Key Question 34

ASTRONOMER

Websters dictionary defines astronomy as the science that deals with the material universe beyond the earths

atmosphere. Therefore, astronomers seek to find the answers to questions such as: Is there life beyond the earth? How did

the sun and the planets form? How old are the stars? What exactly is dark matter?

Unlike other scientists, astronomers cannot build laboratories and do experiments because their specimens are so far

away. They mainly rely on observation, and theory. An astronomer uses optical, radio and space-based telescopes to

capture and see extra-terrestrial matter, along with powerful supercomputers that perform complex calculations and mode

galactic movements. Such work includes being many hours in front of a computer analyzing data, controlling telescopes, o

researching data bases.

Astronomy is a fairly relaxed and well-paid position that doesnt have many rigid work rules. However, since positions are

so rare (usually at government research facilities or universities only) astronomers do not get to choose where they live

They may be relocated constantly to where laboratories or observatories are located. Astronomy is also a very competitive

field

Education is critical for finding a position in this field. The way to becoming an astronomer is a lengthy one that usually

starts in high school. Students interested in the subject should take as many mathematics, physics, trigonometry and

calculus courses in the senior level as well as some history and social studies. The physics major is usually the stepping

7/22/2019 MFM2P-B - Unit 2

9/9

stone to a PhD program, and future astronomer position. An astronomy or physics graduate degree would follow after that

During these years of study, students should strive to build strong relationships with their peers who will later become their

colleagues, and with field experts that can impart much knowledge. Indeed, astronomy is more about the journey than the

destination.

As mentioned before, astronomers study objects that are thousands of kilometres away so they constantly use

mathematical theory to help them understand concepts. Trigonometry and ratios would help the solve a problem like the

following:

On March 25th, 2012 the sun hit the Earths equator at an angle of64 . The suns diameter is about 700,000 km. How fa

away from the earth was the sun that day? (Values are not accurate)

The values given make an isosceles triangle. This isosceles triangle can be divided into two imaginary right triangles tha

allow the astronomer to determine the distance between the sun and earth (hypotenuse) by means of the sine ratio

(opposite/hypotenuse). The calculations would go as follows:

Therefore an astronomer would know that the sun was about 660,377 km away from the earth on March 25 th, 2012 by using

the sine ratio.

Source: American Astronomical Society (http://aas.org/learn/careers-astronomy)

64 ,

X