100 ft rope is cut in two pieces so that the larger piece is 2 less than twice the shorter piece. What is the length of the larger piece?

1 answer

L = larger piece

S = shorter piece

L = 2 S - 2

L + S = 100

2 S - 2 + S = 100

3 S - 2 = 100 Add 2 to both sides

3 S - 2 + 2 = 100 + 2

3 S = 102 Divide both sides by 3

S = 102 / 3 = 34 ft

L = 2 S - 2

L = 2 * 34 - 2 = 68 - 2 = 66 ft