zack has been planting young trees in his garden. the maple tree that is 42 inches tall is growing 1 inch per month, whereas the oak tree that is 10 inches tall is growing 3 inches per month. in a few months, the two trees will be the same height. how long will that take? what will that height be?

In 16 months, two trees will be of same height

The trees will be of 58 inches tall

Solution:

Let "x" be the number of months

The maple tree that is 42 inches tall is growing 1 inch per month

Thus, equation for maple tree is given as:

Maple tree : 42 + 1 inch (number of months)

Maple tree : 42 + x ------- eqn 1

The oak tree that is 10 inches tall is growing 3 inches per month

Thus, equation for oak tree is given as:

Oak tree : 10 + 3 inch (number of months)

Oak tree : 10 + 3x -------- eqn 1

For two two trees to be equal in height, equate eqn 1 and eqn 2

Thus, in 16 months, two trees will be of same height

What will that height be?

Substitute x = 16 in any one eqn

Thus the trees will be of 58 inches tall