Question

To determine the height of a pine tree, you measure the shadow cast by the tree and find it to be 20 feet long. Then you measure the shadow cast by a 36-inch tall oak sapling and find it to be d= 12 inches long (see figure). Estimate the height of the pine tree. ​

Answer 1

Answer:

Height of the pine tree = 60 in.

Step-by-step explanation:

Since, triangle formed by the tip of the tree and tip of the shadow of the tree will be similar to each other,

By the property of similarity, corresponding sides of the similar triangles will be proportional.

$\frac{x}{20}=\frac{36}{d}$

If d = 12 inches,

$\frac{x}{20}=\frac{36}{12}$

x = $\frac{20\times 36}{12}$

x = 60 in.

Therefore, height of the pine tree will be 60 in.