Which of the following statements about Gladys West is true?

• A. She was a mathematician who contributed to GPS calculations.
• B. She was a biologist who discovered DNA structure.
• C. She was a novelist known for space fiction.
• D. She was an architect who designed satellite dishes.

Answer: (A)

GPS navigation depends on precise models of the Earth and accurate calculations of satellite orbits. Gladys West was a mathematician who helped build the mathematical models that describe the Earth’s shape (the geoid) and support precise satellite trajectory calculations. Her work in geodesy provided the accurate reference frame and timing corrections that GPS relies on to determine exact positions. That’s why the statement about her contributing to GPS calculations is true. The other descriptions don’t match her role or contributions.