Question 57119
If all the pieces were equal: 
Piece #1 + Piece #2 + Piece #3 = 16 ft
and x+x+x=16
.
But the pieces are not equal because
Piece #1 = x
Piece #2=(2x+1)
Piece #3=(x-1)
So, let
x+(2x+1ft)+ (x-1ft)=16 
x+2x+1+x-1=16
4x=16
x=4
.
Piece #1 = x=4
Piece #2=(2x+1)=(2*4+1)=9
Piece #3=(x-1)=(4-1)=3
So,
4+9+3=16

.

Check by plugging (x=4) back into the original equation.
x+(2x+1ft)+ (x-1ft)=16 
(4)+(2(4)+1)+ ((4)-1)=16
16=16 [Checks out]