document.write( "Question 473640: The shadow of a flagpole measures 15 feet. At the same day, the shadow of a 2-foot stake measures ¾ foot. How tall is the flagpole? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #324881 by oberobic(2304)\"\" \"About 
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This problem can be solved with proportions.
\n" ); document.write( "We know the triangles are similar because the time of day is the same, so the angle of the sun is the same.
\n" ); document.write( "The flagpole and the stake are assumed to be vertical, which makes the shadow at right angles.
\n" ); document.write( "So, as flagpole's 15 ft. shadow can be compared to the stake's 3/4 ft shadow, the flagpoles height will be proportional to the 2 ft height of the stake.
\n" ); document.write( "15/(3/4) = x/2
\n" ); document.write( "Cross multiply
\n" ); document.write( "30 = 3/4*x
\n" ); document.write( "Multiply both sides by 4 to remove the fraction
\n" ); document.write( "120 = 3x
\n" ); document.write( "Divide both sides by 3
\n" ); document.write( "40 = x
\n" ); document.write( "so
\n" ); document.write( "x = 40
\n" ); document.write( "The flagpole is 40 ft tall.
\n" ); document.write( "Done.
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