Final answer:
By setting up a proportion based on the scale model, the actual height of the smokestack on the real train is found to be 11.5 feet, which was not listed as an option in the question provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves finding the real-life size of a smokestack based on the scale of a model train. To find the real height of the smokestack, we can set up a proportion using the known dimensions of the model and the actual train. Given that the model engine is 7 inches long and the actual engine is 80.5 feet long, we find the scale factor by dividing the real engine length by the model engine length, which is 80.5 feet / 7 inches. Since 1 foot = 12 inches, we convert 80.5 feet to inches, which is 80.5 feet * 12 inches/foot = 966 inches. The scale factor is thus 966 inches / 7 inches = 138. So, the scale of the model train to the real train is 1:138.
Using this scale factor, if the model smokestack is 1 inch tall, the actual smokestack height would be 1 inch * 138 = 138 inches. To convert this to feet we divide by 12, so 138 inches / 12 inches/foot = 11.5 feet. Thus, the correct answer is (c) 11.5 feet, which was not listed as an option in the question. It appears there may be a typo in the provided options, as none of them match the calculated height.