EXAMPLE 3.7.3

Study the race course shown below. If Gomer runs 62 laps around the course, how many miles will he have run?

A. 4.6 miles

B. 9.2 miles

C. 7.5 miles

D. 4.4 miles

One lap around the course entails a straight-line distance of 250 feet, plus a curved distance. The curved distance is half the circumference of a circle whose diameter is 250 ft.

(1/2)(π)(250) = 392.7 feet

So, when he runs one lap, the distance traveled is

250 feet + 392.7 feet = 642.7 feet

If he runs 62 laps, the distance traveled is

(62)(642.7) = 39,847.4 feet

Finally, divide by 5280 to convert from feet to miles:

39,847.4/5,280 = 7.54 miles

The best choice is C.