Examples with solutions for The Ratio of Similarity: Worded problems

Exercise #1

Esteban decids to try and work out the height of a pyramid in Egypt.

At a distance of 520 meters from the center of the pyramid, he discovers a vertical column 5 meters high.


When he moves another 20 meters away and looks towards the pyramid, he sees that the top of the pillar and the top of the pyramid are aligned.

Esteban calculates that the height of the pyramid is 135 meters. Is he correct?

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Video Solution

Answer

Yes

Exercise #2

Dana hangs the flag of her country on a pole. She wants to work out the length of the pole, so she stands next to it.


Dana's height is 1.5 meters and the length of her shadow is 60 cm.


If the length of the pole's shadow is 2.4 meters, then how long is the pole?

Video Solution

Answer

6 meters

Exercise #3

Javier is playing pool and wants to hit the ball from point A to point B to pocket it.

What is the distance between point B and the pocket?

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Video Solution

Answer

115