Answers

1. Answer:

   Step-by-step explanation:

   There is more than 1 way to do this problem, but all of them involve proportions. It’s a good idea to learn how a proportion works: it’s one of the key tools of the sciences.

   Let the height of the Cactus = x

   Ratio Cactus    =     Ratio Gate.

   x/15               =            3/5

   Notice that both ratios are set up as height / shadow. If you do this all the time (keep the ratio the same), you will never make a mistake on proportions.

   x/15 = 3/5                     Cross Multiply

   5x = 15 * 3                    Combine.

   5x = 45                         Divide by 5

   5x/5 = 45/5    

   x = 9

   The height of the cactus has to be less than the length of its shadow, which it is.

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