Atree measured 38 1/2 feet tall. over the next 5 1/2 years, it grew to a height of 49 1/2 feet. during the 5 1/2 years, what was the average yearly growth rate of the height of the tree?

Find how much the tree grew by subtracting the original height from the new height:

49 1/2 - 38 1/2 = 11 feet.

To find the average yearly rate, divide the amount the tree grew by the number of years:

11 feet / 5 1/2 years = 2 feet per year.