Question 1123958
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<pre>
Let H be the height of the tree, in feet.


Then  {{{H/10}}}  is the time to climb the tree, while  {{{H/20}}}  is the time to return.


The total time is the sum  {{{H/10}}} + {{{H/20}}},  and your equation is


    {{{H/10}}} + {{{H/20}}} = 3  minutes.


To solve it, multiply both sides of the equation by 20. You will get


2H + H = 60,

3H = 60  ====>  H = 60/3 = 20.


<U>Answer</U>.  The height of the tree is 20 ft.


<U>Check</U>.  The time to climb is  20/10 = 2 minutes.

        The time to return is  20/20 = 1 minute.

        2 + 1 = 3 minutes.   ! Correct !
</pre>

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See the lesson

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/travel/Climbing-a-coconut-tree-up-and-down.lesson>Climbing a coconut tree up and down</A>

in this site - it contains practically the same problem !