If the Nubian Plate is moving eastward at 2 centimeters per year, and the Somali plate is also moving eastward but at a rate of 2.75 centimeters per year, how many kilometers apart will the two plates be after 45 million years?

Use the rate equation to find the distance that each plate moves. Begin by multiplying speed by time for the Nubian Plate:

distance  = speed × time

= 2 cm/yr × 45,000,000 yr

= 90,000,000 cm

The question requires the distance in units of kilometers. Convert the distance using the ratio, 1 km = 100,000 cm:

90,000,000 cm X 1km/100,000 cm = 900km

Next, multiply speed by time for the Somali Plate:

distance  = speed × time

= 2.75 cm/yr × 45,000,000 yr

= 123,750,000 cm  

The question requires the distance in units of kilometers. Convert the distance using the ratio, 1 km = 100,000 cm:

123,750,000cm X 1km/ 100,000 cm = 1,237.5 km

Finally, subtract the distance traveled by the Nubian Plate from that of the Somali Plate:

1,237.5 km - 900 km = 337.5 km

The Nubian and the Somali Plates will be approximately 337.5 kilometers apart in 45 million years.

Explanation: This was the exact answer on edmentum

7.03-1.70=5.33 and 6.80+5.09=11.89 and 5.5-3.01=2.49

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