A stick 35 inches long is to be cut so that one piece is 1/4 as long as the other. How many inches long must the shorter piece be?

a. 5
b. 7
c. 10
d. 12
e. 15

please answer and explain

4 answers

Let x = longer piece.

x + .25x = 35
If x = shorter piece, then 4x = longer.

x + 4x = 35

Solve for x.
Ms.Sue

x + 0.25x=35
1.25x=35
x=28

35-28=7

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PsyDAG

x+4x=35
5x=35
x=7

thank you Ms.Sue and PsyDAG
You're welcome, Thomas.