Question

How far above ground is the flag pole in inches? Round to nearest inch if needed

Answer 1

Explanation:

You'll use similar triangles to solve this. Set up 2 ratios as a proportion. First, however, you have to convert the 15 inches to feet. If everything else is in feet, then EVERYTHING has to be in feet. 15 inches is equal to 1.25 feet. Now for the equation:

`(3)/(x) =(1.25)/(6)`

The first fraction is made up of the heights, 3 being the height of the plumb bob and x being our unknown height of the flagpole; the second fraction is made up of the distances on the ground. Cross multiply to solve:

1.25x = 18 so

x = 14.4 feet, or 14 feet, 4.8 inches