SOLUTION: You planted a 16-inch hemlock tree that grows at a rate of 4 inches per year. Then 5 years later you planted a 10-inch blue spruce tree that grows at a rate of 6 inches per year. I

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: You planted a 16-inch hemlock tree that grows at a rate of 4 inches per year. Then 5 years later you planted a 10-inch blue spruce tree that grows at a rate of 6 inches per year. I      Log On

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Question 129521: You planted a 16-inch hemlock tree that grows at a rate of 4 inches per year. Then 5 years later you planted a 10-inch blue spruce tree that grows at a rate of 6 inches per year. In how many years after you planted the hemlock tree will the two trees be the same heigh? How tall will the trees be?
Answer by scott8148(5895) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x=years

"You planted a 16-inch hemlock tree that grows at a rate of 4 inches per year"
__ 16+4x

"5 years later you planted a 10-inch blue spruce tree that grows at a rate of 6 inches per year"
__ 10+6(x-5)

"how many years after you planted the hemlock tree will the two trees be the same heigh?
__ 16+4x=10+6(x-5)

16+4x=10+6x-30 __ 36=2x

substitute value of x into 16+4x to find height