A rope of length 120 m is cut into 3 equal parts. Find the exact length of each part in metres, showing the division clearly.
Correct Answer: 40 m
Introduction / Context:This is a basic unit-division problem, frequently appearing in simplification sections to confirm careful handling of units and equal partitions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Total rope length = 120 m.
- Number of equal parts = 3.
- All parts are exactly equal and measured in metres.
Concept / Approach:The length of each equal part is the total length divided by the number of parts. No further conversion is necessary because the units are already consistent (metres).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Each part = Total length / Number of parts.Compute = 120 / 3 = 40.Therefore each part measures 40 m.Verification / Alternative check:Add back: 40 m + 40 m + 40 m = 120 m, which matches the original rope length.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:30 m and 25 m imply incorrect divisors. 50 m and 60 m would total 150 m or 180 m when tripled, not 120 m.
Common Pitfalls:Mistakenly subtracting or assuming non-equal parts. The statement clearly says “3 equal parts,” implying direct division.
Final Answer:40 m