Divide a 5-inch line into two parts so that one part (a) 2 1/4 inches shorter than the other; (b) 3 times the other.

We have to divide 5-inch line into two parts so that one part (a) 2 1/4 inches or 2.25 inches shorter than the other; (b) 3 times the other

We can write this statement as :

(a)

Solving this we get

x = 3.625 inches

And the other part will be = inches

(b) As we have x+y=5

We have to find two parts where one is 3 times the other. This means we have to find x=3y

So, we have

y = 1.25 inches

Other part x is inches

Simply find the area which is 14 x 12 = 168.

You will need 168 sqaure feet of carpet.

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if my answer is wrong ;)  

- genius423