Question

At a certain time of day, a tree that is x meters tall casts a shadow that is x−17

meters long. If the distance from the top of the tree to the end of the shadow is x+8
meters, what is the height, x, of the tree?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Use Pythagorean theorem

(x+8)^2 = x^2 + ( x-17)^2 <===== solve for 'x'

x^2 + 16x + 64 = x^2 + x^2 - 34x +289 Simplify

x^2 -50x + 225 = 0 Use Quadratic formula with a =1 b= -50 c = 225

to find x = 45 m ( or '5' which will not work for shadow length..throw out)