Question

A 12-yard-long pipe is cut into three equal sections. Two of the resulting sections are cut in half, and one of the halves is cut into thirds. If two pipe sections are chosen and combined end to end, what is the difference between the longest possible and shortest possible combinations? (Note: 1 yard = 3 feet)

Answer 1

14ft

Explanation:

12 yard pipe equals 36ft. Divided equally 3 times gives 3 pipes at 12ft per pipe. 2 of those are divided in half, making 4 6ft pipes. 1 of the 6ft pipes is cut into 3 2ft pipes. you now have 3 pipes at 2ft, 3 pipes at 6ft and 1 pipe at 12ft. the longest 2 pieces are 12ft and 6ft making 18ft. 2 shoetest pieces equal 4ft. 18ft minus 4ft equals 14ft.