Question

A Ferris wheel has a diameter of $42\mathrm{feet}$. It rotates $3$ times per $\mathrm{minute}$. Approximately how far will a passenger travel during a $5\mathrm{minute}$ ride?

• A. $132\mathrm{feet}$
• B. $659\mathrm{feet}$
• C. $1,978\mathrm{feet}$
• D. $3,956\mathrm{feet}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

$1,978\mathrm{feet}$

Explanation for correct answer:

Step-1: Find the circumference of the wheel rotations:

Given: Diameter of wheel $=42\mathrm{feet}$

So, Radius of wheel $=21\mathrm{feet}$ [Radius $=\frac{1}{2}\times$Diameter]

Circumference of wheel $=2\mathrm{\pi r}$, $\mathrm{r}$ is the radius of wheel

$=2\left(\frac{22}{7}\right)\left(21\right)$ $\left[\because \mathrm{\pi }=\frac{22}{7}\right]$

$=132\mathrm{feet}$

Step-2: Find the distance traveled by the passenger:

Number of rotations of wheel in $1\mathrm{minute}$ $=3$

Number of rotations of wheel in $5\mathrm{minute}$ $=3\times 5$

$=15$

Distance traveled in $1$rotation $=132\mathrm{feet}$

Distance traveled in $15$ rotations $=132\times 15$

$=1980\mathrm{feet}$

Thus, a passenger will travel approximately $1978\mathrm{feet}$ during a $5\mathrm{minute}$ ride.

Hence, the correct option is (C).