PSLEA ribbon was first cut into two pieces in the ratio 2 : 1. The longer piece was then cut into two pieces in the ratio 3 : 1. Among the three pieces, the length of the shortest piece was 25 cm. What was the length of the ribbon before it was first cut?
Longer piece
|
Shorter piece
|
Total
|
2x2 = 4 u
|
1x2 = 2 u |
3x2= 6 u |
Longer part |
Shorter part |
|
|
3x1 = 3 u |
1x1 = 1 u |
2 u |
6 u |
3 + 1 = 4
The longer piece of the ribbon is the combined repeated identity.
LCM of 4 and 2 = 4
Length of the shortest piece = 1 u
1 u = 25
1 u = 25 ÷ 1 = 25
Length of the ribbon
= 6 u
= 6 x 25
= 150 cm
Answer(s): 150 cm