At a certain time of day, a tree that is x meters tall casts a shadow that is x − 46 meters long. If the distance from the top of the tree to the end of the shadow is x + 4 meters long, what is the height, x, of the tree?

Question

At a certain time of day, a tree that is x meters tall casts a shadow that is x − 46 meters long.  If the distance from the top of the tree to the end of the shadow is x + 4 meters long, what is the height, x, of the tree?

misty1212 · Answer

|dw:1432607917725:dw|

misty1212 · Answer

hi!!

misty1212 · Answer

i guess you are supposed to use pythgagoras and solve 
$$x^2+(x-46)^2=(x+4)^2$$

anonymous · Answer

Right that is correct. I have 70 and 30 for answers. I don't know if that is right or which one is right

misty1212 · Answer

you need $x$ oh i see lets check

anonymous · Answer

I think 30 is the right answer?

misty1212 · Answer

i think they are both right except for 30 which is wrong

misty1212 · Answer

i mean they both are solutions to the original equation, but it is unlikely that the shadow is $30-46=-16$ feet long isn't it?

anonymous · Answer

Yes, 30 is wrong as the shadow is x-46m long. Which doesn't make sense :P

anonymous · Answer

HAHA! True! I guess I should probably use my head a little more! Thanks so much!

misty1212 · Answer

$$\color\magenta\heartsuit$$