<PRE><B>Question 8616</B>
The way I did it, always start off by identifying the variables:


Let x = length of smaller piece
18-x = length of longer piece


The equation is tricky, but just follow the wording of the sentence that is given:
5(smaller) - 2 = 3(longer) - 8
5(x) - 2 = 3(18-x) - 8 
5x - 2 = 54 - 3x - 8
5x - 2 = 46 - 3x


Add 3x to each side:
5x + 3x - 2 = 46 - 3x + 3x
8x - 2 = 46


Add +2 to each side:
8x = 48
x=6 smaller piece
18-x = 12 longer piece


Check:
5(6) -2 = 3(12) - 8
30-2= 36-8
28 = 28  
It checks!


R^2 at SCC</PRE>