Question 353964
First you must convert the shadow into inches. 2.5 * 12 = 30 inches. 
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Second you must know that a yardstick is 3 ft or 36 inches. 
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Set x as the height of the pole.
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Now use the law of similar triangles 

{{{(x/36) = (30/16)}}} as in {{{(height of pole/height of yardstick) = (shadow of pole/ shadow of yardstick)}}}
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simplify into 
{{{(30/16) = (15/8)}}}
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Now cross multiply
{{{8x = 36 * 15}}}
{{{8x = 540}}}
{{{x = 67.5 inches}}}