Let the shorter piece be x.
Shorter piece = x
Longer piece is 5 times the shorter
⇒Longer piece = 5x
The total length is 60 in.
⇒ x + 5x = 60
Solve x :
x + 5x = 60
Combine like terms:
6x = 60
Divide both sides by 6:
x = 10
Shorter piece = x = 10
Longer piece = 5x = 5(10) = 50
Answer: Shorter piece = 10 in, longer piece = 50 in