16Hit1600
AlgebraEasy–MediumTwo lengths from a total and a relation

Algebra practice question

A ribbon 13 metres long is cut into two pieces. The longer piece is 1 metre more than twice the shorter piece. How long, in metres, is the shorter piece?

Answer: 4

s + (2s + 1) = 13 gives 3s = 12, so s = 4.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 9
9 is the longer piece.
If you answered 6.5
6.5 halves 13.
If you answered 4.33
4.33 divides 13 by 3, ignoring the extra metre.

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