A rope 25 feet long is cut into 3 pieces. The first piece is 2x feet long, the second piece is 5x feet long, and the third piece is 4 feet long.

Question

b. Find the lengths of the first and second pieces.

Answer 1

Hi, Nawaf

First you say this : 1st + 2nd + 3rd = total length of rope.

1st: 2x

2nd: 5x

3rd: 4

Replace now what you know:

2x+5x+4=25

combine like terms, then solve for x:

7x+4=25

-4 -4

7x=21

7x/7= 21/7

x=3

Now to find 1st piece, replace x with 3

1st= 2x= 2(3) =6

2nd= 5x= 5(3)=15

1st piece= 6

2nd piece =15

I hope this helps! Have a great day!

Mrs. S

Answer 2

The lengths of the three pieces will add up to be the length of the rope

2x + 5x + 4 = 25

7x + 4 = 25

7x = 21

x = 3

so first piece = 2x = 2*3 = 6 feet

second piece = 5x = 5*3 = 15 feet