Algebra

 

A 40-inch board is to be cut into three pieces so that the second piece is 3 times as long as the first piece and the third piece is 4 times as long as the first piece. What is the length of the first piece?     

 

Call the first piece "X"     

Call the second piece "3X"     

Call the third piece "4X"     

 

X + 3X + 4X  =  40     

               8X  =  40     

                 X  =    5     

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