Final answer:
To estimate the age of the tree, divide the radius (found using the known circumference) by the average ring width. With a circumference of 151 inches and an average ring width of 0.5 inches, the oak tree is estimated to be around 48 years old.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how to estimate the age of a tree using its circumference and the width of its growth rings. To find the radius, we first need to use the circumference, which is given as 151 inches. The formula for the circumference (C) of a circle is C = 2πr, where r is the radius and π (pi) is approximately 3.14. To find the radius, we rearrange the formula to r = C / (2π). Using the given circumference, r = 151 / (2 × 3.14), which equals approximately 24 inches. Once we have the radius, we divide it by the average ring width. For an oak tree with an average ring width of half an inch, this would calculate the age as 24 inches (radius) / 0.5 inches (ring width), resulting in an estimated age of approximately 48 years.