SOLUTION: A 64 inch board is cut into 3 pieces. The second piece is three times as long as the first piece. The third piece is 4 in. longer than the first piece, How long is the shortest pie

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: A 64 inch board is cut into 3 pieces. The second piece is three times as long as the first piece. The third piece is 4 in. longer than the first piece, How long is the shortest pie      Log On


   

Question 65879: A 64 inch board is cut into 3 pieces. The second piece is three times as long as the first piece. The third piece is 4 in. longer than the first piece, How long is the shortest piece?
Answer by Nate(3500) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
s = first
m = second
b = third
~>Equations<~
s + m + b = 64
m = 3*s
b = s + 4
~>Plug<~
s + 3*s + s + 4 = 64
5*s = 60
s = 12 inches
m = 36 inches
b = 16 inches