* Longitude Lines: Longitude lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole.

* Degrees: There are 360 degrees of longitude that circle the Earth.

* Distance: The distance between each degree of longitude varies depending on latitude (it's closer at the poles and further at the equator).

To find the approximate distance, we'll use the average circumference of the Earth:

* Earth's Circumference: Approximately 24,901 miles

Calculations:

1. Total Degrees: 175 West + 179 East = 354 degrees (This is the total difference in longitude)

2. Degrees as a Fraction of Earth's Circumference: 354 degrees / 360 degrees = 0.9833

3. Approximate Distance: 0.9833 * 24,901 miles = 24,457 miles

Important Note: This is an approximation. The actual distance between these longitudes varies depending on latitude.