SOLUTION: a 2o ft board is cut into 2 pieces. Twice the length of the shorter piece is 4ft more than the length of the longer piece. Find the length of the shorter piece.

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: a 2o ft board is cut into 2 pieces. Twice the length of the shorter piece is 4ft more than the length of the longer piece. Find the length of the shorter piece.      Log On


   

Question 660478: a 2o ft board is cut into 2 pieces. Twice the length of the shorter piece is 4ft more than the length of the longer piece. Find the length of the shorter piece.
Answer by ReadingBoosters(3246) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
20 = x + y
x = shorter piece
y = longer piece
2x = 4 + y : rearrange as 2x - y = 4
Add the second equation to the first
x + 2x + y + -y = 20 + 4
3x = 24
3x/3 = 24/3
x = 8 ft is the shorter piece