2. A flagpole casts a shadow that is 50 feet long. At the same time, a woman who is five feet six inches tall casts a shadow 4 feet long. How tall is the flagpo

Question

a. Draw a picture to help, if needed.
b. Show your work to receive full credit!

Answer 1

Hello, Briessa,

Here are some hints:  "At the same time,"means you need to set up a proportion (two ratios equal each other).

                                 The shadow is always on the ground.

                                  A person and a flagpole always stands up straight, like a wall (vertical height)

 

Underline key words and numbers.  Draw a picture for sure.

|

|X                          5.5 ft.  |                

|____________                  |____         

flagpole=50 feet           person's shadow=4 feet

shadow                       

 

Since it is easier to work with one type of measurement, change the person's height to feet only.  The person is 5feet, 6inches                   Note:  12 inches= 1 foot, so 6 inches= 1/2 a feet  and 6 inches= .5 feet

 

 

 

Here is the setup:      height of flagpole/its shadow=   height of person/ its shadow   

 

x   =   5.5             Cross multiple to solve for "x," and you will be done!

50        4

 

I hope that this example helps you.    Susan C.