Question

if we represent the length of a line by a, how may we represent the length of a line that is 3 inches shorter. If the combined length of the two lines is 15 inches, what is the length of each line?

Answer 1

Answer:

The lines' lengths are: 8 inches and 5 inches.

Step-by-step explanation:

Calling "a" the length of the line, a line that is 3 inches shorter can be written in math terms as:

a - 3

If the combined (added) length of these two lines is 15 inches, then we can write:

a + (a - 3) = 15

a + a - 3 = 15

2 a - 3 = 15

2 a = 15 + 3

2 a = 18

then

a = 18/2 = 9

Therefore, the length of one line is 8 inches, and the length of the shorter line is:

8 - 3 = 5 inches