Question

A tree grows 5 inches each year. Angela is asked to find when the tree is 1 2/3 feet tall. Angela incorrectly says 20 years, how many years will it take for the tree to be 1 2/3 feet tall? what was Angela's mistake?

Answer 1

4 years

Explanation:

Note that:

1 foot = 12 inches

1 2/3 feet = x inches

We cross multiply

1 foot × x inches = 1 2/3 feet × 12 inches

x inches = 1 2/3 feet × 12 inches/1 foot

x inches = 5/3 × 12 inches

x inches = 20 inches

A tree grows 5 inches each year. How many years will it take for the tree to be 1 2/3 feet tall = 20 inches

This is calculated as

5 inches = 1 year

20 inches = x year

Cross Multiply

5x = 20 inches × 1 year

x = 20/5

x = 4 years

It would take the tree 4 years to be 1 2/3 feet tall