Question 50407
Let 1st cut = x ft
    2nd cut = 2x ft
    3rd cut = 2.2.x = 4 ft
    4th cut = 2.2.2.x = 8x ft

then 1st cut + 2nd cut + 3rd cut + 4th cut = 60

substitute length of each cut in, we get
     x+2x+4x+8x  = 60  = 15x

Then           x = 4

The longest piece = 8x  = 8.4 = 32 ft