Question 775532
x = one piece
x + 3.5 = the other piece {one piece is 3.5 in. longer than the other}


x + x + 3.5 = 24 {together they add up to 24}
2x + 3.5 = 24 {combined like terms}
2x = 20.5 {subtracted 3.5 from each side}
x = 10.25 inches {divided each side by 2}


the shorter piece was 10.25 inches
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