document.write( "Question 490747: I am having trouble with word problems: The question I have is: Divide 72 into three parts so that the first part is 3 less than the second part and the third part is 1/2 of the second part. I have no idea how to set up the formula and solve it.
\n" ); document.write( "Thank you,
\n" ); document.write( "Cindy \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #334273 by lwsshak3(11628)\"\" \"About 
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I am having trouble with word problems: The question I have is: Divide 72 into three parts so that the first part is 3 less than the second part and the third part is 1/2 of the second part. I have no idea how to set up the formula and solve it.
\n" ); document.write( "**
\n" ); document.write( "let x=second part
\n" ); document.write( "x-3=first part
\n" ); document.write( "x/2=third part
\n" ); document.write( "..
\n" ); document.write( "all three parts total=72
\n" ); document.write( "x+x-3+x/2=72
\n" ); document.write( "LCD=2
\n" ); document.write( "2x+2x-6+x+144
\n" ); document.write( "5x=144+6=150
\n" ); document.write( "x=30
\n" ); document.write( "Ans:
\n" ); document.write( "first part=30-3=27
\n" ); document.write( "second part=30
\n" ); document.write( "third part=30/2=15 \n" ); document.write( "
\n" );