Question 83599
1) This problem is worked out keeping in mind that the shadow length is proportionate to the ht of the object.

Let Mary's height be x inches.
Then 50 : 30 :: x : 27

==> 30x = 50 * 27

==> x = 50 * 27/30

      = 45

Thus Mary is 45 inches tall.

2)Let the width of the actual picture be w inches.

Then the proportion would be- 8: 12 :: w : 60

==> 12w = 8 x 60

==> w = 8 x 60/12

     = 40

Thus the picture is 40 inches wide