SOLUTION: A wire 180 centimeters long is to be cut into three pieces. The length of one piece is three times the length of the second. The length of the third piece is 12 centimeters shorter
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Question 335688: A wire 180 centimeters long is to be cut into three pieces. The length of one piece is three times the length of the second. The length of the third piece is 12 centimeters shorter than twice the length of the second. Find the length of each piece. Thank you for your help!!! Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! A wire 180 centimeters long is to be cut into three pieces. The length of one piece is three times the length of the second. The length of the third piece is 12 centimeters shorter than twice the length of the second. Find the length of each piece.
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Equations:
x + y + z = 180 cm
x = 3y
z = 2y-12
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Substitute for "x" and for "z" and solve for "y":
3y + y + 2y-12 = 180
6y = 192
y = 32 cm (the 2nd piece)
x = 3y = 3*32 = 96 cm (1st piece)
z = 2y-12 = 2*32-12 = 52 cm (3rd piece)
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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