The diagram below represents eight positions of the moon in its orbit.
why are high tides on earth greatest when the moon is in position a and in position e?
(1) the moon is closer to the sun.
(2) the moon is closer to earth.
(3) the moon, the sun, and earth are aligned.
(4) the moon is in the same phase at both locations.

After looking at the position of each planet on the attached image represented above, I think I have recognized the correct answer and the reason why high tides on Earth are greatest when the Moon is in position A and in position E is being shown in the third option :The Moon, the Sun, and Earth are aligned. I think so because I see how Moon stands between the Earth and the Sun where its shadow  falls on the Earth, which means they interact together.

Hope you will find this answer helpful