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Define x:
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Let the shorter piece be x.
Shorter piece = x
Longer piece = 6x
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Construct equation:
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x +6x =35
7x = 35
x =5
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Find the length:
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Shorter length = x = 5 feet
Larger length = 6x = 6(5) = 30 feet
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Answer: The shorter piece is 5 feet.
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