PSLEA ribbon was first cut into two pieces in the ratio 5 : 4. The longer piece was then cut into two pieces in the ratio 2 : 1. Among the three pieces, the length of the shortest piece was 350 cm. What was the length of the ribbon before it was first cut?
Longer piece
|
Shorter piece
|
Total
|
5x3 = 15 u
|
4x3 = 12 u |
9x3= 27 u |
Longer part |
Shorter part |
|
|
2x5 = 10 u |
1x5 = 5 u |
12 u |
27 u |
2 + 1 = 3
The longer piece of the ribbon is the combined repeated identity.
LCM of 3 and 5 = 15
Length of the shortest piece = 5 u
5 u = 350
1 u = 350 ÷ 5 = 70
Length of the ribbon
= 27 u
= 27 x 70
= 1890 cm
Answer(s): 1890 cm