Problema Solution
A 4ft piece of PVC pipe is cut into three pieces. The longest piece is 13 inches longer than three times the smallest piece. the middle piece is 6 in less than the longest piece. How long is each piece? Round answer to nearest inch
Answer provided by our tutors
Let
x = the smallest piece
y = the middle piece
z = the longest piece
1 ft = 12 in
4 ft = 48 in
The total length of all pieces is 48 in means:
x + y + z = 48
The longest piece is 13 inches longer than three times the smallest piece means:
z = 13 + 3x
The middle piece is 6 in less than the longest piece:
y = z - 6
We need to solve the following system of equations:
x + y + z = 48
z = 13 + 3x
y = z - 6
........
Click here to see the step by step solution for the system of equations
........
x = 4 in
y = 19 in
z = 25 in
The shortest piece is 4 in long.
The middle piece is 19 in long.
The longest piece is 25 in long.