An electrician cuts a 136 ft long piece of cable. One piece is 16 feet less than 3 times the length of the other piece. Find the length of each piece.

X + y = 136

x = 3y - 16

3y - 16 + y = 136

4y - 16 = 136

4y = 136 + 16

4y = 152

y = 152/4

y = 38

x = 3y - 16

x = 3 (38) - 16

x = 114 - 16

x = 98

the larger piece (x) = 98 ft and the smaller piece (y) = 38 ft