Let the length of the first piece be "x", second piece be "y" and third piece be "z".
Total length is 234 inches, so we can write:
![x+y+z=234](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/high-school/ztbpe8toz4auo7fe4c0qiyfg4xnr6djund.png)
Also,
• Second piece is 4 times the first piece, ,we can write:
![y=4x](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/high-school/6yhq5l9ez0rs3whhqxkdo7mhfdidpcy3mr.png)
• Third piece is 8 times the first piece, ,we can write:
![z=8x](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/high-school/61y86j9rpoaibtac8etkoecq81nthgpt7z.png)
Substituting these 2 equations into the first equation, we will have an equation in x. Then we solve for x. Shown below:
![\begin{gathered} x+y+z=234 \\ x+4x+8x=234 \\ 13x=234 \\ x=18 \end{gathered}](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/high-school/as06982ommswoqengx48njjv4e61mhfchz.png)
Consequently, we can find y and z >>>>
y = 4x
y = 4(18)
y = 72
and
z = 8x
z = 8(18)
z = 144
Answer
First Piece = 18 inches
Second Piece = 72 inches
Third Piece = 144 inches