Answer: It does not matter whether you multiply the radicands or simplify each radical first. You multiply radical expressions that contain variables in the same manner. As long as the roots of the radical expressions are the same, you can use the Product Raised to a Power Rule to multiply and simplify.
Step-by-step explanation:
Set it up as a ratio:
mans shadow over mans height (4/6 ) equals flag pole shadow over flag pole height (15/x)
set them to equal each other:
4/6 = 15/x
cross multiply: 4*x =4x, 15*6 = 90
so you have 4x = 90
now divide both sides by 5 to solve for x, which is the height of the flag pole:
x = 90 / 4 = 22.5 feet tall