Space Probes
Standards Assessed: 1.3, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, 5.2, 5.4
Name ________________________
Trigonometry
Directions: Scientists are predicting a comet will collide
with an asteroid in 30 days. Three different probes can be
sent to collect data, but since the event was not predicted
earlier the probes may not arrive in time.
Below is a table showing the probable locations of the
probes:
Probe Name
Keppler
DaVinci
Milliken
Distance to Asteroid (Millions of Miles)
Day 4
Day 7
270
235
285
260
280
245
Day 11
185
200
200
Graph the location of each of the probes on the same axes. (colored pencils may help.)
Based on the information, which probes do you think would arrive on time? Explain your
reasoning.
Is there a time when all three probes would be the same distance from the asteroid? If so,
when?
Use the graph to create an equation to describe the location of the probes. You will need a
different equation for each of the probes.