I always have trouble with these..?

Question

I never know how to solve these types of problems... please help = )
Ruby wants to find the height of the tallest building in her city. She stands 492 feet away away from the building. There is a tree 43 feet in front of her, which she knows is 17 feet tall. How tall is the building?

Answer 1

You want to play with algebra:) I am not sure if we have the complete information, so I am applying the same ratio distance-height for the building.

Think about it in this way:

If 43 feet distance is to 17 feet tall
492 feet distance is to...x feet tall

x=492*17/43

x=194.51 feet

I am not 100% sure about my answer, I hope it makes sense!

Cheers

Answer 2

Is there a drawing with this that explains the relationship between the tree and the building? If the line of site of the top of the tree goes to the top of the building then this can be solved with trig.

You would use the first triangle of ruby to 43 feet forward to top of the tree and solve for the angle that she is looking up at. Then that angle and the 492 feet side would allow you to find the height of the building.

Answer 3

This is a similar triangle problem that can be solved with proportions.

x/492 = 17/43

Cross multiply and you get

43x = 8364

Divide by 43 on both sides and

x = approximately 194.5 feet

Answer 4

Take each part by itself. Go to mathhelp.com and they will guide you through the problem process. If I solve it for you you won't learn how to do them and that is the point after all. There are so many math websites to help. If all else fails, go to your teacher tomorrow and explain that they are difficult for you and ask if you can come in after school for an hour or before school and get her help. That will show the teacher that you are commited to learning and not just trying to get through.
Good luck...I'm sure you'll be fine.

Answer 5

With the given information, I'm pretty sure that problem isn't solvable.

Answer 6

wow i feel like i need to go back to school