Joseph has two pieces of rope. The longer piece is one foot less than four times the length of the smaller piece. Together the two pieces measure 14 feet. How long is each piece of rope?

The answer to your question is: x = 57/5 and y = 13/5

Step-by-step explanation:

Data

x = longer piece = 1 foot less than four times of the smaller piece

y = smaller piece

Equations

x - 1 = 4y (1)

x + y = 14 (2) Clear y from the first equation

y = (x - 1) / 4 solve by substitution in 2

x + (x - 1) / 4 = 14

4x + x - 1 = 56

5x = 57

x = 57 / 5 feet

y = (57/5 - 1) / 4

y = ((57-5) / 5) / 4

y = 52/2 = 26/10 = 13/5