When 2 pieces of rope are placed end by end, it equals 40 meters. When placed side by side, 1 rope is 10 meters longer. How long is each rope?

x = rope 1

y = rope 2

rope 1 = rope 2+10

x = y+10

x+y = 40

substitute x=y+10 into the above equation

y+10 + y = 40

2y+10 = 40

subtract 10 from each side

2y = 30

divide by 2

y = 15

x=y + 10

x=15+10

y=25

The ropes are 15 meters and 25 meters