Question

ethan planted a tree that was 1.85 meters tall. several years later, the tree is 5.30 meters tall. which equation can be used to find x, the number of meters the tree has grown?
1.85 + 5.30 = x
1.85(5.30) = x
1.85x = 5.30
1.85 + x = 5.30

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the problem

The initial height of the tree is 1.85 meters. After some years, it grows by \( x \) meters and becomes 5.30 meters tall. So the initial height plus the growth should equal the final height.

Step2: Analyze the equations

• For \( 1.85 + 5.30 = x \): This would mean the sum of initial height and final height is the growth, which doesn't make sense.
• For \( 1.85(5.30)=x \): Multiplying initial height and final height is not relevant to find growth.
• For \( 1.85x = 5.30 \): This would imply the initial height times growth is final height, which is incorrect.
• For \( 1.85 + x = 5.30 \): Initial height (1.85) plus growth (\( x \)) equals final height (5.30), which matches the problem context.

Answer:

The equation \( 1.85 + x = 5.30 \) (the fourth option, assuming the options are in the order shown with \( 1.85 + x = 5.30 \) as the last or the correct one based on the problem)