Question

a pole 24 feet high has a shadow 8 feet long. a nearby pole is 72 feet tall. how long is its shadow? 1: 16 feet 2: 24 feet 3: 32 feet 4: 56 feet

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion

Let \(x\) be the length of the shadow of the \(72\) - foot pole. Since the ratio of height to shadow length is the same for both poles, we have \(\frac{24}{8}=\frac{72}{x}\).

Step2: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives \(24x = 8\times72\).

Step3: Solve for \(x\)

First, calculate \(8\times72 = 576\). Then \(x=\frac{576}{24}\).

Answer:

\(24\) feet (Option 2)