Question

a ferris wheel has a diameter of 42 feet. it rotates 3 times per minute. approximately how far will a passenger travel during a 5 - minute ride?
132 feet
659 feet
1,978 feet
3,957 feet

Explanation:

1. First, find the circumference of the Ferris - wheel:

• The formula for the circumference of a circle is \(C = \pi d\), where \(d\) is the diameter of the circle. Given that \(d = 42\) feet, then \(C=\pi\times42\approx3.14\times42 = 131.88\) feet.

1. Then, find the number of rotations in 5 minutes:

• The Ferris - wheel rotates 3 times per minute. So in 5 minutes, the number of rotations \(n=3\times5 = 15\) rotations.

1. Finally, find the total distance traveled:

• The total distance \(D\) a passenger travels is the number of rotations times the circumference of the Ferris - wheel. So \(D=n\times C\).
• Substitute \(n = 15\) and \(C\approx131.88\) into the formula: \(D = 15\times131.88=1978.2\approx1978\) feet.

Answer:

1,978 feet