PSLEA wire was first cut into two pieces in the ratio 3 : 2. The longer piece was then cut into two pieces in the ratio 3 : 1. Among the three pieces, the length of the longest piece was 180 cm. What was the length of the wire before it was first cut?
Longer piece
|
Shorter piece
|
Total
|
3x4 = 12 u
|
2x4 = 8 u |
5x4= 20 u |
Longer part |
Shorter part |
|
|
3x3 = 9 u |
1x3 = 3 u |
8 u |
20 u |
3 + 1 = 4
The longer piece of the wire is the combined repeated identity.
LCM of 4 and 3 = 12
Length of the longest piece = 9 u
9 u = 180
1 u = 180 ÷ 9 = 20
Length of the wire
= 20 u
= 20 x 20
= 400 cm
Answer(s): 400 cm