A string measuring 1 m is cut into 2 pieces. One piece is 10 cm longer than the other piece. What is the length of the shorter piece?

Question

A. 45 cm

B. 50 cm

C. 55 cm

D. 90 cm

Answer 1

Let's define the unknown length of the shorter piece as the variable x cm, therefore, the length of the longer piece must be (x + 10) cm:

Length of piece 1 = x cm

Length of piece 2 = x + 10 cm

Because our total length is 1 METER, we must convert our length to CENTIMETERS. 1 meter = 100 cm. Therefore, our total length is:

x cm + (x + 10) cm = 100 cm

Solving for x:

2x cm + 10 cm = 100 cm

2x cm = 90 cm

x cm = 45 cm

*Note: I made sure to write out the UNITS of this question in order to ensure that I acquired the right answer. When given units, always make sure that you are working with the right units and that you convert from one unit to another so that you don't end up with the wrong answer.*