Question 431712
x = short
y = long
y = 3x + 4 (since the long piece is 3 times longer than the short piece + 4 inches)
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x + y = 24
x + (3x + 4) = 24
x + 3x + 4 = 24
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from here, you are able to see it as a numerical problem compared to a word problem :-)