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As the Moon revolves around the Earth, the side of the Moon that faces the Earth is partially illuminated by the Sun. These "phases" of the moon are described by a fraction F of a lunar disc. For example, F = 0 describes a "new moon" which is when we don't see any of the Moon from Earth. F = 0.5 is when we see a "half moon" and F = 1 is when we witness a "full moon". If the angle formed between the Sun, Earth, and the Moon is theta, the formula for the fraction F of the moon seen is F = 1/2(1 - cos(theta)) where 0^@ <= theta <= 360^@. Find the angle(s) theta if the fraction F = 0.75. Give all possible angles exactly in degrees, separating them with commas if there is more than one answer.

 May 19, 2015

Best Answer 

 #1
avatar+129839 
+5

.75 = (1/2)(1 - cosΘ)    multiply both sides by 2

 

1.5 = 1 - cosΘ    rearrange

 

cosΘ  = 1 - 1.5   = -.5

 

And using the cosine inverse, we have

 

cos-1(-.5) = 120°, 240°

 

 

 May 19, 2015
 #1
avatar+129839 
+5
Best Answer

.75 = (1/2)(1 - cosΘ)    multiply both sides by 2

 

1.5 = 1 - cosΘ    rearrange

 

cosΘ  = 1 - 1.5   = -.5

 

And using the cosine inverse, we have

 

cos-1(-.5) = 120°, 240°

 

 

CPhill May 19, 2015

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