The Tree/Squirrel Problem

Solution

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL  32773

A squirrel starts in the top of a tree and climbs half way down, stopping to look at another squirrel on the ground.  The squirrel then climbs half of the remaining distance to the ground and stops again.  For a third time and a fourth time the squirrel climbs half way down the tree, until after the fourth time, it is 2 feet from the ground.  How tall is the tree?

 

Let x = height of the tree. 

When the squirrel stops the first time, the distance to the ground is 1/2 x.

When the squirrel stops the second time, the distance to the ground is 1/2 of 1/2 x, which is 1/4 x.

When the squirrel stops the third time, the distance to the ground is 1/2 of 1/4 x, which is 1/8 x.

When the squirrel stops the fourth time, the distance to the ground is 1/2 of 1/8x, which is 1/16 x.

So, 1/16 x = 2.  Multiply both sides of the equation by 16,

16*(1/16 x) = 16*2

x= 32 feet

 

Click here for a picture of the tree!

Click here for a picture of the squirrel!


 

       Return to main page     Math in Living C O L O R !!

     Return to Basic Algebra page     Return to Intermediate Algebra page  

 Return to College Algebra page

       

 
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje Altamonte Springs Campus
Contact me at:   rapaljer@seminolestate.edu
Phone number:  NONE Retired!!
OFFICE:          NONE  
Copyright © Seminole State College of Florida, 1997