Answer:
2 1/2, 2 1/4, 2
Step-by-step explanation:
Let x represent the first part. Then the next part is (x -1/4), one-quarter inch shorter. The part after that is ((x -1/4) -1/4), one-quarter inch shorter still.
The sum of these three parts is 6 3/4:
x + (x -1/4) + (x -1/2) = 6 3/4
3x -3/4 = 6 3/4 . . . . . . . . . . . . collect terms
x -1/4 = 2 1/4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . divide by 3
x = 2 1/2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . add 1/4
So, the first piece is 2 1/2; the next piece is 1/4 shorter, so is 2 1/4; and the last piece is 1/4 shorter still, so is 2 inches.
The pieces are 2 1/2 inches, 2 1/4 inches, and 2 inches long.
