Question

A 43-inch string is to be cut so that one piece is 7 inches longer than the other. What is the length of the shorter piece?

Answer 1

Think of it as 43 should be divided in two but one piece should be 7 inches longer.

43 = x + (x+7)

simply solving for x;

2x = 43/7

x = 18.

Answer 2

shorter = 18

Explanation:

x = shorter piece

y = longer piece

y = x + 7

x + y = 43

x + 7 + x = 43

2x + 7 = 43

2x = 36

x = 18

x + y = 43

18 + y = 43

y = 43 - 18

y = 25