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snowmist69 · Jan 15, 2012, 04:19 PM

I hate word problems!! I have this word problem and need help just getting started at least I think. Here it is.

You have been assigned a task of estimating the cost of a tree removal. The cost is $25 per foot, up to 50 feet; above that the cost increases to $50 per foot. You drop your kids off at the swimming pool and see your friends basking in the sun and wish you could stay. You get to the job site only to find out the basket truck that was suppose to meet you broke down 16 miles away. Explain how you can estimate the height of the tree.

This problem has too much wording and I just don't know where to start. Any help please.

corrigan · Jan 15, 2012, 10:46 PM

This problem is intentionally confusing. The kids and the swimming pool has nothing to do with anything. The fact that the truck broke down 16 miles away means nothing, and the cost per foot of removing the tree is meaningless with out a price to compare it to.

I think the problem is asking how to measure the tree with out a basket truck. If that is the case, it's a matter of shadow ratios. Let me explain. First, you would measure the length of a shadow of something you know the height of. Easiest thing to do would be to use your own shadow. Put a rock on the ground and walk until the rock is on the top of your shadow's head, then put another rock where you are standing. The length of your shadow is the distance between the rocks. Take your height, (your real height, not what you tell people) and divide the length of your shadow. This is then the ratio of real height to shadow height. Measure the length of the tree's shadow, then multiply by the ratio, and this will give the real height of the tree. Keep in mind, this can't be an all day project. As the day goes on, the sun moves in the sky and so the tree's shadow will move.

I hope this helps :)

snowmist69 · Jan 15, 2012, 11:20 PM

Thank you for the help. Your answer makes a lot of sense to me.

pr1961 · Aug 22, 2012, 10:38 AM

The cost to remove a tree is $25 per foot, up to 50 feet; above that, the cost increases to $50 per foot. Explain how you can estimate the height of the tree.

JudyKayTee · Aug 28, 2012, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by pr1961

The cost to remove a tree is $25 per foot, up to 50 feet; above that, the cost increases to $50 per foot. Explain how you can estimate the height of the tree.

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