Math Problem Statement

Suppose a flagpole casts a shadow 4.5 m long. Patrick is standing near the pole. He is 1.5 m tall and his shadow is 1 m long. How tall is the flagpole?

Solution

To find the height of the flagpole, we can use the concept of similar triangles. Since the flagpole and Patrick cast shadows under the same conditions, the ratios of their heights to their shadow lengths will be equal.

Given:

  • Patrick's height: 1.5 meters
  • Patrick's shadow: 1 meter
  • Flagpole's shadow: 4.5 meters

Let hh be the height of the flagpole. The ratio can be set up as follows:

Patrick’s heightPatrick’s shadow=Flagpole’s heightFlagpole’s shadow\frac{\text{Patrick's height}}{\text{Patrick's shadow}} = \frac{\text{Flagpole's height}}{\text{Flagpole's shadow}}

1.51=h4.5\frac{1.5}{1} = \frac{h}{4.5}

Now, solve for hh:

h=1.5×4.5=6.75 metersh = 1.5 \times 4.5 = 6.75 \text{ meters}

Therefore, the height of the flagpole is 6.75 meters.

Would you like more details, or do you have any further questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How can we use ratios and proportions to solve real-life problems?
  2. What are some other examples of using similar triangles in practical situations?
  3. How does the concept of shadow length change with different light sources?
  4. Can you solve for the height of a flagpole if Patrick was standing on a slope?
  5. What is the importance of understanding similar triangles in geometry?

Tip: When dealing with similar triangles, always check if they share the same angles to ensure the ratio approach is valid.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Similar Triangles
Proportions
Ratios

Formulas

height1/shadow1 = height2/shadow2

Theorems

Similarity of Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8