1. **Problem Statement:** We are given a graph showing the relationship between trunk diameter and age for two tree species: American beech and silver maple. A gardener measures both trees and finds each has a diameter of 30 inches. We need to approximate how many years older the American beech is than the silver maple at this diameter. 2. **Understanding the Graph:** - The vertical axis shows approximate age in years. - The horizontal axis shows trunk diameter in inches. - At 30 inches diameter, the American beech age is about 150 years. - At 30 inches diameter, the silver maple age is about 40 years. 3. **Calculation:** To find how many years older the American beech is, subtract the silver maple age from the American beech age: $$\text{Age difference} = 150 - 40 = 110$$ 4. **Interpretation:** The American beech is approximately 110 years older than the silver maple when both have a trunk diameter of 30 inches. This means the American beech grows more slowly or lives longer to reach the same diameter compared to the silver maple.