AlgebraEasy–MediumTwo pieces from a total and a difference
Algebra practice question
A 10-metre rope is cut into two pieces, and one piece is 4 metres longer than the other. How long is the shorter piece?
- A. 3 metresCorrect
- B. 4 metres
- C. 6 metres
- D. 7 metres
Answer: A. 3 metres
Let the pieces be s and s + 4: 2s + 4 = 10, so s = 3. (The pieces are 3 m and 7 m.)
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. 4 metres
- 4 metres is the difference, not a piece.
- C. 6 metres
- 6 metres is 10 − 4, forgetting to halve.
- D. 7 metres
- 7 metres is the longer piece.
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