A cord of length $71\dfrac{1}{2}$ m has been cut into 26 pieces of equal length. What is the length of each piece?

[Hint: Length of each piece = $71\dfrac{1}{2}$ m $\div$ 26]

To find the length of each piece, divide the total length of the cord by the number of pieces.

Total length of the cord $= 71\dfrac{1}{2} \text{ m} = \dfrac{143}{2} \text{ m}$

Number of pieces = 26

Finding the length of each piece,

$\dfrac{143}{2} \div 26 = \dfrac{143}{2} \times \dfrac{1}{26} \\[1em] = \dfrac{143 \times 1}{2 \times 26} \\[1em] = \dfrac{143}{52} = \dfrac{11}{4} \\[1em] = 2\dfrac{3}{4} \text{ m}$

Hence, the length of each piece is $\mathbf{2\dfrac{3}{4} \text{ m}}$.