Question

a cedar tree is 2.7 yards tall. its shadow is 3.6 yards long. close by, there is a bus - stop sign that is 1.5 yards tall. how long is the bus - stop signs shadow? write your answer as a whole number or a decimal. do not round. yards

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion

Let \(x\) be the length of the bus - stop sign's shadow. Since the ratio of height to shadow length is the same for both objects, we have \(\frac{2.7}{3.6}=\frac{1.5}{x}\).

Step2: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives \(2.7x = 3.6\times1.5\).

Step3: Calculate right - hand side

\(3.6\times1.5=5.4\), so the equation becomes \(2.7x = 5.4\).

Step4: Solve for \(x\)

Divide both sides by \(2.7\): \(x=\frac{5.4}{2.7}\).

Step5: Simplify

\(x = 2\).

Answer:

\(2\) yards