Question 901067
A + B = 17
A = 2B + 2
Substitute the known value of A from the bottom equation into the top.
A + B = 17
(2B+2) + B = 17
3B + 2 = 17
Subtract 2 from each side
3B = 15
Divide each side by 3
B = 5
If the shorter piece is 5', then the longer piece is 17-5, or 12'