A 25,000-mile steel band is placed around the earth, snugly fit at the equator. The band is cut, and 36 inches of string is spliced into the steel band. This new, larger circular band is placed around the earth, so its center coincides with the center of the earth, and a gap is created. How wide is this gap?

When you have finished, post your work showing the formula used for calculating the gap (g), show all calculations solving for g (gap), and a statement interpreting the results of your work.