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 4 : 1. Among the three pieces, the length of the shortest piece was 80 cm. What was the length of the ribbon before it was first cut?
Longer piece
|
Shorter piece
|
Total
|
2x5 = 10 u
|
1x5 = 5 u |
3x5= 15 u |
Longer part |
Shorter part |
|
|
4x2 = 8 u |
1x2 = 2 u |
5 u |
15 u |
4 + 1 = 5
The longer piece of the ribbon is the combined repeated identity.
LCM of 5 and 2 = 10
Length of the shortest piece = 2 u
2 u = 80
1 u = 80 ÷ 2 = 40
Length of the ribbon
= 15 u
= 15 x 40
= 600 cm
Answer(s): 600 cm