How can I measure forty-five minute if cutting the wire in half is not possible due to non-homogeneous construction ?

Question

I possess two wires. Both of them have an inconstant thickness but both of them burns completely in sixty minutes. The problem is that I want to measure forty-five minutes while using these two wires.

How can I measure if cutting the wire in half is not possible due to non-homogeneous construction ?

Answer 1

1. Burn one wire on both ends and the other wire at one end.
2. The first wire will burn completely in 30 minutes.
3. At this time burn the other end of the second wire. It will burn completely in 15 minutes.

The total time will be: 30 + 15 = 45 minutes