In measurement problems such as these, we can use proportional relationships to determine the length or measure of triangular sides.This works because the two figures are similar. Our proportion is going to have a variable since we do not know the height of one of the flagpoles. It will be set up as such:
= 
We cross multiply, then divide to solve this proportion.
32 x 5 = 160.
160/8 = 20.
This means the height of the flagpole is 20 feet high. To fit the height of the flag pole, the cord the school should buy for the flagpole should be 20 feet long.
We cross multiply, then divide to solve this proportion.
32 x 5 = 160.
160/8 = 20.
This means the height of the flagpole is 20 feet high. To fit the height of the flag pole, the cord the school should buy for the flagpole should be 20 feet long.