An ostrich is 108 inches tall. If its shadow is 162 inches, and an emu standing next to it casts a 90-inch shadow, how tall is the emu?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Look up pythagorean theorem

anonymous · Answer

This is solvable by using proportions:

$$\frac{ 108 }{ 162 } = \frac{ x }{ 90 }$$Cross-multiplying:
x = (108)(90)/(162)

So, just simplify and you have "x" !

anonymous · Answer

All good now, @Kolby97 ?

anonymous · Answer

no
@tcarroll010

anonymous · Answer

The ostrich's shadow is a certain number times its height.  Same for the emu.  Notice that both fractions, once you simplify to x=60, are the same.  Here's a picture:|dw:1371057148118:dw|

anonymous · Answer

In this double triangle, height is proportional to the shadow.  It's really all about similar triangles as that lower right angle is the exact same for both.  And actually all corresponding angles are the same measure.

anonymous · Answer

Any better now? @Kolby97 ?

anonymous · Answer

Good luck to you in all of your studies and thx for the recognition! @Kolby97