SOLUTION: a log 78 feet is to be cut into three peices of varying lengths. The longest piece is to be 4 times the length of the shortest peice and the middle sized piece is to be 6 feet less
Question 216522: a log 78 feet is to be cut into three peices of varying lengths. The longest piece is to be 4 times the length of the shortest peice and the middle sized piece is to be 6 feet less than twice the length of the shortest piece. How long is the shortest piece? Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! a log 78 feet is to be cut into three pieces of varying lengths.
The longest piece is to be 4 times the length of the shortest piece
and the middle sized piece is to be 6 feet less than twice the length of the shortest piece.
How long is the shortest piece?
:
Let x = length of the shortest piece
:
It says,"The longest piece is to be 4 times the length of the shortest piece"
therefore:
4x = the longest piece
:
"the middle sized piece is to be 6 feet less than twice the length of the shortest piece."
therefore:
(2x-6) = middle sized piece
:
How long is the shortest piece?
The sum of the three pieces is given as 78'
therefore:
x + (2x-6) + 4x = 78
x + 2x + 4x = 78 + 6
7x = 84
x =
x = 12' is the shortest piece
;
:
Check solution
4(12) = 48' is longest
2(12)-6 = 18' is the middle sized
sum
12 + 18 + 48 = 78
