SOLUTION: a piece of wire 4m long is cut into two pieces so that one piece is two thirds as long as the other. Find the length of the other piece...

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: a piece of wire 4m long is cut into two pieces so that one piece is two thirds as long as the other. Find the length of the other piece...      Log On


   



Question 211376: a piece of wire 4m long is cut into two pieces so that one piece is two thirds as long as the other. Find the length of the other piece...
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = first piece (one piece)
4-x = second piece (the other piece)

Write the equation:
x = 2/3(4-x)

Multiply both sides by the denominator 3 to clear the fraction:
3x = 2(4-x)
3x= 8 -2x
5x=8
x=8/5

The "other piece" is 4-x, which is 4-8/5

Get a common denominator of 5
%2820%2F5%29-%288%2F5%29=%2812%2F5%29+

It's ugly, but that is your final answer!

Check: "One piece is 2/3 the other"
%288%2F5%29+=+%282%2F3%29%2A%2812%2F5%29
8%2F5=24%2F15+

R^2