Question

Math problem: sean took 1/3 of the candies in a bowl, but returned 4. franny took 1/4 of what was left but returned 3. eugene took half of the remainder but threw two back. the bowl had 17 candies left. how many candies originally in the bowl?

Answer 1

after sean took some and put some back, there wer 2/3x+4 where x=number of candies originally

franny took 1/4 of what was left or 1/4 of (2/3x+4) or 2/12x+1 or 1/6x+1
then returned 3
1/6x+4

eugene took 1/2 of the remainder
1/2 of (1/6x+4) is 1/12x+2
then put 2 back
1/12x+4

had 17 left

1/12x+4=17
minus 4 both sides
1/12x=13
multiply both sides by 12/1
x=156
there were 156 candies originally in the bowl