A board 60 in. long is cut into two parts so that the longer piece is 5 times the shorter. What are the lengths of the two pieces?

The shorter piece is a0 in.
The longer piece is a1 in.

Question

A board 60 in. long is cut into two parts so that the longer piece is 5 times the shorter. What are the lengths of the two pieces?

The shorter piece is a0 in.
The longer piece is a1 in.

texaschic101 · Answer

l = longer piece
s = shorter piece

l + s = 60
l = 5s

now sub 5s in for l in the other equation
5s + s = 60
6s = 60
s = 10

l = 5s
l = 5(10)
l = 50

shorter piece is 10 inches
longer piece is 50 inches