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)![]() ![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! 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. \n" ); document.write( " |