Question

A 40-foot pipe is cut into three sections. The longest section is three times as long as the shortest, and the middle-sized section is 5 feet longer than the shortest. Complete the diagram
by giving a and b as expressions involving x. Do not solve the problem.
P = 40 ft
12
X
b
21
X
P
1
a
Length of
middle-sized
Length of
shortest
section
Length of
longest
section
section

Answer 1

Answer:

P=40

a + b + x = P

a = 3x    

b = x + 5

substitute for b & y

3x + (x+5) + x = 40

Step-by-step explanation:

longest section 1 = a

mid length section 2 = b

shortest section 3 = x

P=40

a + b + x = P

a = 3x    

b = x + 5

substitute for b & y

3x + (x+5) + x = 40

5x + 5 = 40

5x = 35

x = 7

b = 12

a = 21