Question

Caroline places five poles A,B,C,D,and E in order along a straight line. The distance poles A and D is 1 yard. The distance between poles A andB. Poles A and B are 1/5 yard apart. The distance between D and E is 7/10 yard. How far apart are poles B and E?

Answer 1

we have
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A B C D E
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1 yard
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1/5 yard ------------------
7/10 yard
The distance poles B and D= (1-1/5)=4/5 yard

The distance poles B and E= BD+DE=4/5+7/10=(8+7)/10=15/10=3/2 yard

the answer is 3/2 yard (distance poles B and E)