Question

If a 6 ft tall woman casts a 4 ft long shadow, then how tall is an adult giraffe that casts a 12 ft shadow?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Remark

This is a proportion question. A proportion is 2 equal ratios. You need to know 3 parts of the 4 in able to solve for the fourth part.

Givens

Woman's height = 6 feet

Woman's shadow = 4 feet

Giraffe height = x

Giraffe's shadow = 12 feet

Formula

Woman's height / Woman's shadow = giraffe's height/ giraffe's shadow

Substitute givens into this formula

Solution

6/4 = x / 12 Cross multiplipy

4x = 6 * 12 Combine right

4x = 72 Divide by 4

4x/4 = 72/4

x = 18

Answer

The giraffe is 18 feet tall.