Question

The drawing at the right shows a person,

5 feet tall, casting a shadow 3 feet long.
The tree is casting a shadow 15 feet long.
How tall is the tree?

Answer 1

Answer: 25 feet tall

Explanation:

First, let's take a look at the person. If they are 5 feet tall and cast a shadow of 3 feet, we can easily convert this into a proportion: 5 feet tall: 3 feet shadow.

Continuing with this method, we can convert the tree into a proportion: x feet tall: 15 feet shadow.

So, 5:3=x:15. Mathematically, think of it as 5/3=x/15.

To find x, you will need to multiply 15 to both sides, or perform cross multiplication. (5/3)(15)=(x/15)(15). This will equal 25. The tree is 25 feet tall.

Answer 2

I would say the tree is 18 feet tall