document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=946578>Question 946578</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Solve the problem by defining a variable, writing an equation, and solving the equation. Show all work:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "A 200-centimeter-long wire is cut into three pieces. The second piece is 3 times as long as the first. The third piece is 2 times as long as the second.  How long is each piece?\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "I am not even sure where to start.  I know that when adding the three pieces together it has to equal 200 centimeters but I do not know how to write the equation to even get started on solving the problem.  Is there 3 different variables (one for each piece)? Do I use the same variables? I am lost! Any tips you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  I can solve the equations I just don't know how to write them myself.    </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #577455 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=Fombitz><B>Fombitz(32388)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=Fombitz><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/cgi-bin/show-face.mpl?user=Fombitz><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=577455\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Name the variables : Three pieces A, B, and C.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "<IMG STYLE=\"max-width:80%;\" SRC=/cgi-bin/plot-formula.mpl?expression=A%2BB%2BC=200 ALIGN=MIDDLE  ALT=\"A%2BB%2BC=200\"   DISABLED_style= \"max-width:90%; height:auto;\" ><BR>\n" );
document.write( "<IMG STYLE=\"max-width:80%;\" SRC=/cgi-bin/plot-formula.mpl?expression=B=3A ALIGN=MIDDLE  ALT=\"B=3A\"   DISABLED_style= \"max-width:90%; height:auto;\" ><BR>\n" );
document.write( "<IMG STYLE=\"max-width:80%;\" SRC=/cgi-bin/plot-formula.mpl?expression=C=2B=2%283A%29=6A ALIGN=MIDDLE  ALT=\"C=2B=2%283A%29=6A\"   DISABLED_style= \"max-width:90%; height:auto;\" ><BR>\n" );
document.write( "Now you have three independent equations with three unknowns. <BR>\n" );
document.write( "You can solve it.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "<IMG STYLE=\"max-width:80%;\" SRC=/cgi-bin/plot-formula.mpl?expression=A%2BB%2BC=200 ALIGN=MIDDLE  ALT=\"A%2BB%2BC=200\"   DISABLED_style= \"max-width:90%; height:auto;\" ><BR>\n" );
document.write( "Substitute,<BR>\n" );
document.write( "<IMG STYLE=\"max-width:80%;\" SRC=/cgi-bin/plot-formula.mpl?expression=A%2B3A%2B6A=200 ALIGN=MIDDLE  ALT=\"A%2B3A%2B6A=200\"   DISABLED_style= \"max-width:90%; height:auto;\" ><BR>\n" );
document.write( "Now solve for A.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Then go back and solve for B and C. <BR>\n" );
document.write( "Repost if you get stuck and need more help. </SPAN>\n" );
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