Question 236003
In this equation you can determine:

{{{a+b+c=57}}}  
a= first piece
b= second piece
c= third piece

{{{b=2a-5}}}

Second piece is 5 yards shorter than twice the first.
You can represent "is" as an equal sign here.

{{{c=2a+2}}}

Third piece is 2 yards shorter than twice the first.
Same occurrence.

Now, you can place in the variables into the first equation, a+b+c=57


{{{a+2a-5+2a+2=57}}}

Combine like terms:

{{{5a-3=57}}}

Next, you want 5a by itself, so add -3 to the both sides of the equation:

{{{5a=60}}}

Now, you can solve for a:

{{{(5a/5)=60/5}}}

{{{a=12}}}

Next, place the value of 'a' into the other equations:

{{{b=2a-5}}}

{{{b=2(12)-5}}}
{{{b=24-5}}}
{{{b=19}}}

Next:

{{{c=2a+2}}}
{{{c=2(12)+2}}}
{{{c=24+2}}}
{{{c=26}}}

Answers: a=12, b=19, c=26