Question

A tree casts a shadow 60 feet long. At the same time, a nearby 8-foot pole casts a 12-foot shadow. How tall is the tree? (hint: Draw a picture to help you solve this problem) * Your answer

Answer 1

Let's draw the picture

To find the height of the tree, we have to solve the following proportion

$\frac{8}{x}=\frac{12}{60}$

Then, we solve for x.

$\begin{gathered} 8\cdot60=12\cdot x \\ \frac{8\cdot60}{12}=x \\ x=\frac{480}{12} \\ x=40 \end{gathered}$

Hence, the tree is 40 feet tall.