Question 628054
Let x = length of one piece
so 45 - x = length of the other piece
{{{x = (2/3)(45 - x)}}}, multiply both sides by 3
{{{3x = 2(45 - x)}}}
{{{3x = 90 - 2x}}}
{{{5x = 90}}}
{{{x = 18}}} and {{{45 - x = 27}}}
Answer: The length of the shorter piece is 18 feet.