Solving Math Problem: Average Distance from Earth to Proxima Centauri

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SUMMARY

The average distance from Earth to Proxima Centauri is approximately 39.7 trillion kilometers, calculated by multiplying 4.22 light years by 9.461 trillion kilometers per light year. This calculation is essential for understanding astronomical distances and requires knowledge of unit conversion between light years and kilometers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of breaking down complex problems into manageable parts and utilizing known values to derive unknowns.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light years as a unit of distance
  • Basic multiplication and unit conversion skills
  • Familiarity with astronomical distances
  • Knowledge of the metric system, specifically kilometers
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about astronomical units and their conversions
  • Study the concept of light years in more detail
  • Explore mathematical problem-solving techniques for distance calculations
  • Investigate other nearby stars and their distances from Earth
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in astronomy or mathematical problem-solving related to distances in space.

dobalganero
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Hi, my name is Eddy and this is my first post on the forum. I like math but do not know a lot of it. I am hoping to find some help and guidance her on how to solve things i don't find an answer to online.

This is the problem at hand

The average distance from Earth to Moon is about 384,403 kms. The sun is the closest star to Earth and is about 150 million kilometers away. the next closest star is Proxima Centauri which is about 4.22 light years away from Earth. A light year is defined as 9,461billion kilometers. Find and label the distance in kilometers from Earth to Proxima.

I would appreciate if the person who decides to help me would explain how to go about doing a problem like this. Much more than an answer i need to learn what to do when face with this types of problems.
thank you so much. i can't tell you how much i appreciate any help. I can't do or show any effort on my part other than take out the data given because I am really lost at sea here,
Thanks,
Eddy
 
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dobalganero said:
The average distance from Earth to Moon is about 384,403 kms.

The sun is the closest star to Earth and is about 150 million kilometers away.

The next closest star is Proxima Centauri which is about 4.22 light years away from Earth. [1]

A light year is defined as 9,461billion kilometers. [2]

Find and label the distance in kilometers from Earth to Proxima.
Do you "see" that you only need :
[1] Proxima Centauri is 4.22 light years away from Earth.
[2] A light year is equal to 9,461 billion kilometers.

Earth to Proxima = ? kilometers
 

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