story problem

Question

Caroline places 5 poles ABCD & E in the order along a straight line the distance between poles A&D is one yard the distance between poles B&C is the same as the distance between poles A & B
Poles A&B are 1/5 yard apart
The distance between D&E is 7/10 yard apart
How far apart are poles B&E

Answer 1

 A to D = 1 yd
 D to E = 7/10 yd
so -- A to E is 1 7/10 yd
A to B = 1/5 yd
so -- B to E is  1 7/10 - 1/5
                    17/10 - 2/10
                        15/10
                          1 1/2 yd

Answer 2

A to B: 1/5 yd

B to C: 1/5 yd       same as A to B

C to D: 3/5 yd      (5/5 - 2/5)

D to E: 7/10 yd

 

B to E: 11/5 yd     add