Answer:
The top shelf is 5 feet, the middle shelf is 5.5 feet and the bottom shelf is 9.5 feet
Step-by-step explanation:
Let t= length of the top shelf, m = length of middle shelf and b = length of bottom shelf.
Therefore:
t = m - 1/2; m = t + 1/2
Also, b = 2t - 1/2
The total of the three shelves is 20 feet, therefore:
t + m + b = 20
Substituting:
t + t + 1/2 + 2t - 1/2 = 20
4t = 20
t = 20/4
t = 5 feet
m = t + 1/2 = 5 + 1/2 = 5.5 feet
b = 2t - 1/2 = 2(5) - 1/2 = 9.5 feet
The top shelf is 5 feet, the middle shelf is 5.5 feet and the bottom shelf is 9.5 feet