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In Geography / College | 2025-07-07

If a GPS unit shows our latitude as -34°, this means our location is 34 degrees to the
A. north
of the Equator.
B. east
C. west
D. south
Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

Asked by adriana665

Answer (2)

Latitude measures the north-south position relative to the Equator.
The Equator is at 0° latitude.
Positive latitude values are north of the Equator, while negative values are south.
Therefore, -34° latitude means 34 degrees south of the Equator. D ​

Explanation

Analyze the problem The problem states that a GPS unit shows a latitude of -34 degrees. We need to determine what this means in terms of direction from the Equator.

Understand Latitude Latitude is a coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. The Equator is at 0 degrees latitude. Locations north of the Equator have positive latitude values, and locations south of the Equator have negative latitude values.

Determine the direction Since the latitude is -34 degrees, this indicates a location 34 degrees south of the Equator.


Examples
Understanding latitude and longitude is crucial for navigation. For example, pilots use these coordinates to plan flight paths, and sailors use them to chart courses across the ocean. Knowing your latitude helps determine your position relative to the Equator and the poles, which is essential for accurate positioning and direction finding. This concept is also used in mapping and surveying to define precise locations on the Earth's surface.

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-07

A latitude of -34° means the location is 34 degrees south of the Equator. Therefore, the correct answer is D. south.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-08-13