A 40 foot beam is to be cut in two. If one portion is one third the length of the other portion, what are the two lengths of the portions?

Question

ghazi · Answer

let's say length of one portion is x then remaining portion would be 40-x . now according to the question x=1/3*(40-x) now solve for x

campbell_st · Answer

the beam is to be cut in the ratio 1:3..

use the unitary method to find the lengths

find the length of 1 part in the ratio

How many parts in the ratio: 1 + 3

divide the length by the number of parts in the ratio... 

this will give the shorter length... triple it to get the longer length. 

To check you answer... add the 2 lengths and you should have 40 feet

anonymous · Answer

x=52

campbell_st · Answer

nope.... sorry

campbell_st · Answer

isn't 52 longer than your beam

anonymous · Answer

i dont understand what i'm doing

campbell_st · Answer

ok... look at my explanation cutting it in a ratio 1:3

what is the sum of the parts of the ratio...?

anonymous · Answer

x/3 + x =40
x+3x=120
4x=120
X=30
x/3=10

campbell_st · Answer

correct

campbell_st · Answer

a simpler way is 

ratio 1:3    to 4 parts

40/4 = 10

the shorter part is 10 feet the longer is 3 x 10 = 30 feet

this is called the unitary method..