1. **State the problem:** We have a building 51 feet tall casting a shadow 48 feet long. A nearby statue casts a shadow 16 feet long. We need to find the height of the statue. 2. **Formula and concept:** When two objects cast shadows at the same time under the same sunlight angle, their heights and shadow lengths are proportional. This means: $$\frac{\text{Height of building}}{\text{Shadow of building}} = \frac{\text{Height of statue}}{\text{Shadow of statue}}$$ 3. **Set up the proportion:** $$\frac{51}{48} = \frac{h}{16}$$ where $h$ is the height of the statue. 4. **Solve for $h$:** Multiply both sides by 16: $$h = \frac{51}{48} \times 16$$ 5. **Calculate:** $$h = 51 \times \frac{16}{48} = 51 \times \frac{1}{3} = 17$$ 6. **Answer:** The statue is 17 feet tall.