How and when do scientists use astronomical units versus a light-year?

Answer 1

The astronomical unit is used primarily for measuring distances within the Solar System or around other stars whereas the light-year is most often used when expressing distances to stars and other distances on a galactic scale.

(Wikipedia)

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Answer 2

Layla Anderson

Scientists use astronomical units (AU) to measure distances within the solar system, such as the distance from Earth to the Sun. They use light-years to measure vast distances outside the solar system, such as between stars and galaxies.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.