Let c be the number of cucumbers and t the number of tomatoes.

The total is the sum of the number of cucumbers and that of tomatoes, which is c + t = 280 piece of vegetables

Since there are thrice as many tomatoes as cucumbers, this means c =t/3

Therefore 3*c = t.

The sum will therefore be c + 3*c = 280 pieces of vegetables

This means that 4*c = 280 vegetables

Therefore c = 280/4 = <<280/4=70>>70 cucumbers.

# Answer

70
<|im_start|>system
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<|im_start|>user
Barry wants to make a huge salad using only cucumbers and tomatoes. He will use a total of 280 pieces of vegetables. If there are thrice as many tomatoes as cucumbers, how many cucumbers will be used in the salad?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
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user
70
Barry wants to make a huge salad using only cucumbers and tomatoes. He will use a total of 280 pieces of vegetables. If there are thrice as many tomatoes as cucumbers, how many cucumbers will be used in the salad?
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