Math Problem Statement

For each planet in a solar​ system, its year is the time it takes the planet to revolve around the center star. The formula Upper E equals 0.2 x Superscript 3 divided by 2 models the number of Earth days in a​ planet's year,​ E, where x is the average distance of the planet from the center​ star, in millions of kilometers. There are approximately 224.3 Earth days in the year of Planet Upper B. What is the average distance of Planet Upper B from the center​ star? Question content area bottom Part 1 The average distance is approximately    110 million kilometers. ​(Do not round until the final answer. Then round to the nearest whole number as​ needed.)

Solution

We are given the formula:

E=0.2x32E = 0.2 \cdot x^{\frac{3}{2}}

where:

  • EE is the number of Earth days in a planet's year.
  • xx is the average distance from the center star in millions of kilometers.

Step 1: Substitute the given value of EE

We are given that E=224.3E = 224.3, so we set up the equation:

224.3=0.2x32224.3 = 0.2 \cdot x^{\frac{3}{2}}

Step 2: Solve for xx

a) Isolate x32x^{\frac{3}{2}}

x32=224.30.2x^{\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{224.3}{0.2}

x32=1121.5x^{\frac{3}{2}} = 1121.5

b) Solve for xx

To get xx, raise both sides to the power of 23\frac{2}{3}:

x=(1121.5)23x = (1121.5)^{\frac{2}{3}}

Now, let's compute the value. Compute x = (1121.5)^(2/3) x = 1121.5**(2/3) x### Step 3: Round to the nearest whole number

x108x \approx 108

Thus, the average distance of Planet B from the center star is 108 million kilometers.


Would you like a step-by-step breakdown of exponent manipulation? Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How does the exponent 32\frac{3}{2} affect the equation?
  2. What are the steps to solving equations with fractional exponents?
  3. How is this formula related to Kepler’s Third Law?
  4. What would happen if the coefficient 0.2 changed?
  5. Can we use logarithms to solve this equation?

Tip: When solving equations with exponents, always isolate the power term first before applying inverse operations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponents
Equation Solving

Formulas

E = 0.2 * x^(3/2)

Theorems

Exponent Rules
Solving Equations with Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11