SOLUTION: Use the diagram to solve for the given segments below. You can assume that the tree, flagpole and person are parallel to one another. A person who is 6 feet tall casts a shadow

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Question 1118503: Use the diagram to solve for the given segments below. You can assume that the tree, flagpole and person are parallel to one another.
A person who is 6 feet tall casts a shadow 32 feet long between (N) and (G). The distance along the ground from the person (N) to the flagpole (L) is 128 feet, and the distance from the flagpole (L) to the tree (R) is 800 feet.
a. Set up a proportion and find the height of the flagpole. Show your work. (5 points)

b. Set up a proportion and find the height of the tree. Show your work. (5 points)


Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, greenestamps:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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A person who is 6 feet tall casts a shadow 32 feet long between (N) and (G). The distance along the ground from the person (N) to the flagpole (L) is 128 feet,
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The person IS STANDING AT point N.

G is between N and L. First question distance along ground from person to flagpole is 128 feet. Draw the described picture.

If F is top of the flagpole, f the flagpole height, the 6%2F32=f%2F128.

Tree question: Shadow distance along ground is a little different.
128%2B800=928.

If T is top of tree, t distance from ground to top of tree,
t%2F928=6%2F32

Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


The other tutor did not interpret the given information correctly. The 128 feet is between the person and the flagpole -- not between the flagpole and the end of the person's shadow.

From the end of the person's shadow to the person is 32 feet.
From the end of the person's shadow to the base of the flagpole is 32+128 = 160 feet.
From the end of the person's shadow to the base of the tree is 32+128+800 = 960 feet.

(a) To find the height of the flagpole:
6%2F32+=+x%2F160
x+=+160%2A6%2F32+=+5%2A6+=+30

The height of the flagpole is 30 feet.

(b) To find the height of the tree:
6%2F32+=+x%2F960
x+=+960%2A6%2F32+=+6%2A30+=+180

The height of the tree is 180 feet.