SOLUTION: the length of the shadow of a flagpole was found to be 72 feet. The shadow of a 3 foot picket fence in line with the flagpole was 4 feet. What is the height of the flagpole?

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Question 199853: the length of the shadow of a flagpole was found to be 72 feet. The shadow of a 3 foot picket fence in line with the flagpole was 4 feet. What is the height of the flagpole?
Answer by RAY100(1637) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A rough sketch shows similar triangles, therefore proportions are appropriate,,(use tan function if more comfortable)
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3/4 = h / 72,,,cross multiply
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4h = 216
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h=54
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check ,,,fence shadow is 1/3 more ( 1/3),,, and pole shadow is also 1/3 more ( 18/54=1/3), ok
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