When measuring distances, astronomers sometimes find that a small object in the sky is closer to earth than a larger object. how can this be?

explanation:

with the profits from the european sales, merchants purchased europe's manufactured  goods, including tools and weapons. then the merchants shipped those manufactured  goods, along with the  american  sugar and rum, to west africa where they were bartered for  slaves.

productive most commonly means: achieving or producing a significant amount or result.

explanation:

productive can also mean:

these depend on how the word productive is used. most likely productive will mean   achieving or producing a significant amount or result.