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AlgebraMediumYears for linear growth to reach a height

Algebra practice question

A tree was 1.2 metres tall when it was planted and grows 0.35 metres each year. After how many years will the tree be 4 metres tall?

Answer: 8

1.2 + 0.35t = 4 → 0.35t = 2.8 → t = 8.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 11.4
11.4 comes from 4 ÷ 0.35, ignoring the starting height.
If you answered 2.8
2.8 is the growth needed, in metres, not the years.
If you answered 14.9
14.9 comes from (4 + 1.2) ÷ 0.35, adding the starting height instead of subtracting it.

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