<PRE><B>Question 206203</B>

Let the shortest piece be p


Then the 2 shorter pieces = 2p


Also, the longest piece is 8p


Since the entire length is 6 yards, then 2p + 8p = 6


10p = 6


{{{highlight_green(p  =  (3/5) or .6 yd)}}}. This means that the two shorter 

pieces are .6 yd each, which total 1.2 yds (.6 * 2), and the longest piece is 4.8 

yds (.6 * 8)


Check:
Two shorter pieces: 1.2 yds


Longest piece:       4.8 yds


(1.2 + 4.8) = 6 yards

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