How Far Did They Fall in Meters?

[1irishman]

Homework Statement

The person fell from the plane 6 miles and survived the fall.
What is the distance the person fell in metres?

Homework Equations

1m=3.281ft
1mi=5280ft
1ft=0.3048m

The Attempt at a Solution

I figured if 1 mi = 5280ft
then 6 miles must be : 6(5280ft)=31, 680ft.
I also figured if 1ft = 0.3048m then 31, 680 * 0.3048 should get the distance in metres to be
9,656.06metres. The book says 10, 159m is the answer, so can anyone help me here please? Is it possible the book is wrong?!

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi 1irishman!

Your answer looks right to me.

 

[Borek]

Funny.

10159/6 = 1693.17 meters per mile

1 statute mile = 1609.344 meters

Looks to me like someone ate 0 when calculating the answer.

 

[iRaid]

check your answer here: http://www.unitconversion.org/length/meters-to-miles-conversion.html

 

[rdl]

I would first check the accuracy of the given information, such as the height at which the person fell and any other variables that may affect the calculation. Assuming the information is accurate, your calculation is correct. It is possible that the book has a typo or error in their answer. I would recommend double checking your calculations and if they are correct, bring it to the attention of your teacher or professor. It is important to always question and verify information in science.