SOLUTION: If a 28 ft rope is cut into two sections with one section 3 times as long as the other section, how long is the shorter piece?

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Geometry -> SOLUTION: If a 28 ft rope is cut into two sections with one section 3 times as long as the other section, how long is the shorter piece?       Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 959168: If a 28 ft rope is cut into two sections with one section 3 times as long as the other section, how long is the shorter piece?
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
S=short section; L=long section=3S
S+L=28ft Substitute for L.
S+3S=28ft
4S=28ft
S=7ft ANSWER: The short piece is 7 feet long.
CHECK:
L=2S=3(7ft)=21 ft
S+L=28ft
7ft+21ft=28ft
28ft=28ft