Question

A gardener is planting two types of trees: Type A is 8 feet tall and grows at a rate of 7 inches per year. Type B is 2 feet tall and grows at a rate of 13 inches per year. Algebraically determine exactly how many years it will take for these trees to be the same height.

Answer 1

1 year

Explanation:

8 + 7x = 2 + 13x

Move the 2 to the other side by subtracting 2 from both sides.

6 + 7x = 13x

Move the 7x to the other side by subtracting both sides by 7x.

6 = 6x

Divide both sides by 6.

1 = x

Therefore, x equals 1 and it will take 1 year for both trees to reach the same height.