SOLUTION: a log 78 feet long is to be cut into three pieces of varying lengths. The longest piece is to be four times the length of the shortest piece and the middle-sized piece is to be 6 f

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: a log 78 feet long is to be cut into three pieces of varying lengths. The longest piece is to be four times the length of the shortest piece and the middle-sized piece is to be 6 f      Log On


   

Question 275763: a log 78 feet long is to be cut into three pieces of varying lengths. The longest piece is to be four 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 shortes piece?
Answer by checkley77(12844) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Longest=4s
Middle=2s-6
l+m+s=78
4s+2s-6+s=78
7s=78+6
7s=84
s=84/7
s=12 ft. for the shortest piece.
l=4*12=48 ft. for the longest piece.
m=2*12-6=24-6=18 ft. for the middle piece.
Proof:
12+48+18=78
78=78