jESS WOULD LIKE TO CUT A BOARD THAT WAS 50 INCHES LONG INTO 2 PIECES ONE OF WHICH IS 16 INCHES LONGER THATN THE OTHER. HOW LONG IS EACH PIECE.
Let x equal the smaller piece.
x + x + 16 = 50
2x = 34
x = 17
The smaller piece is 17 inches long.
To solve this problem, we can use algebra to find the lengths of the two pieces.
Let's assume the length of one of the pieces is x inches. According to the problem, the other piece is 16 inches longer, so its length would be x + 16 inches.
Now, we know that when we add the lengths of the two pieces, it should equal the length of the original board, which is 50 inches.
So, we can set up the equation:
x + (x + 16) = 50
Now, let's solve the equation step by step:
Combining like terms:
2x + 16 = 50
Subtracting 16 from both sides:
2x = 34
Dividing both sides by 2:
x = 17
Therefore, one piece is 17 inches long, and the other piece is (17 + 16) = 33 inches long.
Thus, the two pieces have lengths of 17 inches and 33 inches, respectively.