Question

a metal strip 42 inches long is to be cut in two pieces. The smaller piece is to be 3 inches more inches than half of the larger. find the length of each piece

Answer 1

Piece 1 = 26 inches

Piece 2 = 16 inches

Explanation:

42 inches long

Divided into two pieces

Piece 1: x

Piece 2: 0.5x + 3

Add the pieces together and set equal to 42, (or the total)

x + 0.5x + 3 = 42

1.5x + 3 = 42

Subtract 3 from both sides of the equation

1.5x = 39

Divide both sides of the equation by 1.5

x = 26

Piece 1 = 26 inches

Piece 2 = 42 - 26 = 16 inches

Hope this helps :)