Question

On level ground, a vertical rod 12 feet tall casts a shadow 4 feet long, and at the same time a nearby vertical flagpole casts a shadow 12 feet long. how many feet tall is the flagpole?

Answer 1

Answer:

36 feet.

Step-by-step explanation:

We have been given that on level ground, a vertical rod 12 feet tall casts a shadow 4 feet long, and at the same time a nearby vertical flagpole casts a shadow 12 feet long.

To find the length of flagpole, we will use proportions as:

$\frac{\text{Actual length of flagpole}}{\text{Shadow of flagpole}}=\frac{\text{Actual length of rod}}{\text{Shadow of rod}}$

Substitute given values:

$\frac{\text{Actual length of flagpole}}{12\text{ ft}}=\frac{12\text{ ft}}{4\text{ ft}}$

$\frac{\text{Actual length of flagpole}}{12\text{ ft}}\times 12\text{ ft}=\frac{12\text{ ft}}{4\text{ ft}}\times 12\text{ ft}$

$\text{Actual length of flagpole}=12\text{ ft}\times 3$

$\text{Actual length of flagpole}=36\text{ ft}$

Therefore, the actual length of flagpole is 36 feet.

Answer 2

$\frac{Actual}{Shadow}$ = $\frac{Actual}{Shadow}$
$\frac{12}{4}$ = $\frac{Actual₂}{12}$
Actual = 36 feet