The Philippines is located at 13° North and 122° East on the world map. Which pair of imaginary lines are used to determine its precise location? A. Equator and Longitude B. Latitude and Longitude C. Longitude and the Equator D. Prime Meridian and Equator
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Latitude and Longitude
The precise location of any point on Earth, including the Philippines, is determined using a pair of imaginary lines known as latitude and longitude. These lines form a coordinate system that allows us to pinpoint exact positions on the globe.
Latitude and Longitude Defined:
- Latitude refers to the horizontal lines that run parallel to the Equator. These lines measure how far north or south a location is from the Equator, which is designated as 0° latitude. The Philippines, being at 13° North, is 13 degrees above the Equator.
- Longitude refers to the vertical lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. These lines measure how far east or west a location is from the Prime Meridian, which is 0° longitude and runs through Greenwich, England. The Philippines is located at 122° East, meaning it is 122 degrees to the east of the Prime Meridian.
Why Latitude and Longitude?
Together, latitude and longitude create a grid system covering the entire Earth. By identifying both a latitude (e.g., 13° N) and a longitude (e.g., 122° E), you can accurately locate any point on the globe, including countries, cities, or even small islands.
Other choices, such as:
- A. Equator and Longitude
- C. Longitude and the Equator
- D. Prime Meridian and Equator
are not fully accurate because they only refer to reference lines, not the complete coordinate system. For example, the Equator and Prime Meridian are just zero points of the latitude and longitude systems respectively, not a complete method for specifying location.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the correct answer is B. Latitude and Longitude, because both are needed to determine the precise geographic location of the Philippines or any place on Earth.
