Final answer:
The question involves ratios and proportions derived from the heights and shadow lengths of two buildings. Solving 1700/525 = 1450/x gives us the shadow length for the second building to be approximately 455 feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this problem is mathematics, specifically using proportions to solve real-world applications. The key concept here is the idea of a ratio, and that ratios can remain consistent (proportional) under different conditions.
Now, to begin with the calculation, let's think about the first building. It is given that its height is 1,700 feet and its shadow is 525 feet long. This means the ratio of height to shadow length in the first building is 1700/525.
We're asked about the shadow of the second building at the same time of day. The height of the second building is 1,450 feet. It’s a basic principle of light that at the same time of the day, under the same light conditions, the ratio of height to shadow length remains constant. This means that the ratio of the second building's height to its shadow length would be the same as the ratio of the first building's height to its shadow length.
Setting up the equation: 1700/525 = 1450/x, where x is the length of the shadow of the second building, we can solve for x and find that x approximately equals 455 feet (rounded to the nearest foot), meaning the shadow of the second building would be around 455 feet long.
Learn more about Proportional Reasoning