Answer:
B.) 12 ft
Step-by-step explanation:
Let s be the shorter piece.
L (longer piece) = 2s - 4
20 = s + (2s - 4)
20 = 3s - 4
20 + 4 = 3s - 4 + 4
24 = 3s
24/3 = 3s/3
8 = s
the length of the shorter piece is 8 ft
now, TO FIND L (longer piece)
2s - 4 = L
2 (8) - 4 = L
16 - 4 = L
12 = L
the length of the longer piece is 12 ft
Check:
12 + 8 = 20 ft