Solve the given problem in steps please.

Question

One stake used as a snow marker casts a shadow 5.0 ft long.  A second stake casts a shadow 3.0 ft long.  If the second stake is 4.0 ft tall, how tall is the first stake?  (Both stakes are on level ground.)

Answer 1

Hi Ben,

 

You solve this with similar triangles. . .  the length of one stake divided by its shadow length equals the length of the other stake divided by its shadow length.

 

So 4/3 = X/5

 

Cross multiply--> 3X = 20

 

Divide both sides by 3--> X = 6 2/3 feet

 

Dan