SOLUTION: A 4 ft piece of PVC pipe is cut in three pieces. The longest piece is 12 in. longer than twice the smallest piece. The middle piece is 6 in. less than the longest piece. How long i

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Geometry -> SOLUTION: A 4 ft piece of PVC pipe is cut in three pieces. The longest piece is 12 in. longer than twice the smallest piece. The middle piece is 6 in. less than the longest piece. How long i      Log On

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Question 218862: A 4 ft piece of PVC pipe is cut in three pieces. The longest piece is 12 in. longer than twice the smallest piece. The middle piece is 6 in. less than the longest piece. How long is each piece?
Answer by RAY100(1637) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let a,,b,,c,,,be the pieces,,,a,, largest,,,c,,,smallest,,,,in inches
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a+b+c=4ft = 48 inches
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a=2c+12,,,,,b= a-6,,,,,,,substituting
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(2c+12) +(a-6) +c =48,,,,,,but a=(2c+12)
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(2c+12+ +{(2c+12)-6} +c = 48
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2c+12 +2c+12 -6 +c = 48
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5c = 30
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c=6,,,,a=2(6)+12= 24,,,,b=(26-6)= 18
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check,,,,,a+b+c=48,,,,,24+18+6=48,,,,ok
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