Math Problem Statement

Travis is 1.55 meters tall. At 10 a.m., he measures the length of a tree's shadow to be 21.15 meters. He stands 16.8 meters away from the tree, so that the tip of his shadow meets the tip of the tree's shadow. Find the height of the tree to the nearest hundredth of a meter. Answer

Solution

This problem can be solved using the concept of similar triangles. The setup forms two similar right triangles: one formed by Travis and his shadow, and the other formed by the tree and its shadow.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Define the Variables:

    • Height of Travis: ht=1.55mh_t = 1.55 \, \text{m}
    • Length of Travis's shadow: st=16.8ms_t = 16.8 \, \text{m}
    • Length of the tree's shadow: stree=21.15ms_{tree} = 21.15 \, \text{m}
    • Height of the tree: htree(to be determined)h_{tree} \, \text{(to be determined)}
  2. Key Similarity Property: Since the triangles are similar: htst=htreestree\frac{h_t}{s_t} = \frac{h_{tree}}{s_{tree}}

  3. Set Up the Proportion: 1.5516.8=htree21.15\frac{1.55}{16.8} = \frac{h_{tree}}{21.15}

  4. Solve for htreeh_{tree}: Multiply both sides by 21.1521.15: htree=1.5521.1516.8h_{tree} = \frac{1.55 \cdot 21.15}{16.8}

    Calculate the values: htree=32.782516.8h_{tree} = \frac{32.7825}{16.8}

    htree1.95mh_{tree} \approx 1.95 \, \text{m}

Final Answer:

The height of the tree is 1.95 meters to the nearest hundredth.


Would you like additional details or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How does the concept of similar triangles apply to this problem?
  2. Can you generalize the formula for determining the height of an object using shadows?
  3. What other real-life problems can be solved using similar triangles?
  4. How would the answer change if Travis moved closer or farther from the tree?
  5. What assumptions are made about the sun's rays in this type of problem?

Tip: Always ensure proportional relationships are set up correctly when working with similar triangles.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Proportions
Similar Triangles
Geometry

Formulas

Height ratio: h_t / s_t = h_tree / s_tree

Theorems

Triangle similarity theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10