A cord is cut into two pieces of different lengths. the sum of the two lengths is 10 centimeters, and the difference between the two lengths is 4 centimeters. find the lengths of the two pieces of cord.
Accepted Solution
A:
Start with x+y=10 and x-y=4 Add the equations to eliminate y: x+y=10 + x-y=4 2x =14 So now solve for x: 2x=14 (Divide each side by 2 to get x by itself) x=7 Now you have solved for x, but you still need to solve for y: x+y=10 7+y=10 (Subtract 7 from both sides to get y by itself) y=3 Now you have both x and y but to check it, just plug it into the original equations: x+y=10 ----> 7+3=10 (That's correct) x-y=4 ----> 7-3=4 (That's correct) There's your final answer.