Question

A length of tubing 75.0 inches long is cut into 2 unequal lengths. One piece is 3 times as long as the other. Determine the length of the shorter piece in inches.

Answer 1

Let x represent the length of the shorter piece.
The longer piece is 3*x.
Together, they add up to 75 inches.
x + 3*x = 75
4*x = 75
x = 75/4
x = <<18.75=18.75>>18.75 inches
The shorter piece is 18.75 inches. Answer: \boxed{18.75}.