Question

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina was constructed in 1802 and stands 210 feet tall. It is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States and has a beacon with a 36 inch diameter that can be seen for 20 miles. What formula can you use to calculate the distance around the beacon?

Answer 1

The distance around the beacon would be the distance around the circle. This is called the circumference.

To calculate the circumference, you will multiply the diameter by pi.

We will use an estimated 3.24 for pi.

C= pi x d
3.14 x 36
C = 113.04 inches
The distance around the beacon is approximately 113.04 inches.

You will not use the other 2 measurements given. Don't be confused by them.