DR7EE4 (COPY) / 5 of 10 Mr. Lings has a plank of wood 118 inches long. He cuts it into two pieces such that the longer piece is 5.5 inches longer than twice the length of the shorter piece. What is the length of the longer piece? A. 37.5 inches B. 56.25 inches C. 59 inches D. 80.5 inches Delp Dase

If we let the length of the shorter piece be \( x \) inches, then the longer piece can be expressed as \( 2x + 5.5 \) inches. According to the problem, these two pieces add up to the total length of the plank, which is 118 inches. So, we can set up the equation: \[ x + (2x + 5.5) = 118 \] Solving this gives \( 3x + 5.5 = 118 \). Subtracting 5.5 from both sides, we get \( 3x = 112.5 \), leading to \( x = 37.5 \) inches for the shorter piece. Plugging this back into the longer piece expression results in \( 2(37.5) + 5.5 = 80.5 \) inches. Therefore, the length of the longer piece is **D. 80.5 inches**. In the world of carpentry, precision is key! When cutting wood, consider marking your measurements clearly and double-checking each line with a square. This is especially important when you have multiple pieces to cut, as even a small mistake in measurement can lead to fitting issues later on. Remember, "measure twice, cut once" is a carpenter’s mantra for a reason! Need a little more inspiration? Dive into the world of practical geometry that surrounds us daily. Understanding the principles of lengths, ratios, and proportions can be incredibly useful, not just in woodworking but in countless real-world scenarios—like figuring out how to fit that new couch you just bought into your living room! Plus, check out local DIY workshops or online resources where you can get hands-on experience and learn from seasoned experts!