Question 314115: A piece of ribbon 7 feet long is cut into two pieces, one shorter than the other. Let L denote the length of the longer piece. Express the length of the shorter piece of ribbon in terms of L.
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Let L = longer piece
If the total ribbon is 7 feet, then the shorter piece is the TOTAL length, MINUS the piece that you cut off.
Shorter piece is 7-L.
For additional explanation on this topic with LOTS of examples and an understandable explanation, please see my own website. Click on my tutor name "rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com. There you will see the link to my Homepage. Near the top of my Homepage, look for the link "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time." Choose "Basic Algebra", and look for "Chapter 1." See Section 1.09, for my OWN explanataion on this particular type of problem. Then, when you get to the real WORD PROBLEMS themselves, see the next section, Section 1.10, complete with examples, exercises, and ALL the answers. Many of these exercises are also solved IN COLOR on my "Math in Living Color" pages that go along with these sections.
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus
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