Question

Amber has a piece of licorie that is 10 feet long. She cuts it into three pieces for her friends. The 1st piece is 4.25 feet longer than the second piece. The 3rd piece is 2.24 feet longer than the second. How long is the 3rd piece?

Answer 1

let the second be x ft long
then the first is x+4.25
the third is x+2.24

x + x+4.25 + x+2.24 = 10

carry on

Answer 2

L1 = Length of 1st piece

L2 = Length of 2st piece

L3 = Length of 3st piece


The 1st piece is 4.25 feet longer than the second piece mean:

L1 = L2 + 4.25

The 3rd piece is 2.24 feet longer than the second mea.

L3 = L2 + 2.24


L1 + L2 + L3 = 10 ft

L2 + 4.25 + L2 + L2 + 2.24 = 10

3 L2 + 6.49 = 10 Subtract 6.49 to both sides

3 L2 + 6.49 - 6.49 = 10 - 6.49

3 L2 = 3.51 Divide both sides by 3

L2 = 3.51 / 3 = 1.17 ft


L1 = L2 + 4.25 = 1.17 + 4.25 = 5.42 ft


L3 = L2 + 2.24 = 1.17 + 2.24 = 3.41 ft


L1 = 5.42 ft , L2 = 1.17 ft , L3 = 3.41 ft


3rd piece is 3.41 ft long.