Question

Dimitrius returned 5 library books last week, returned 3 books this week, and then checked out 8 more books. He now has 12 library books. How many books did he have before last week?

Answer 1

He had 12 books

Explanation:

Let x be the number of books he had before last week,

After returning 5 books, remaining books = x - 5,

Again after returning 3 more books, remaining books = x - 5 - 3 = x - 8

After checking out 8 more books,

Final number of books = x - 8 + 8 = x

According to the question,

Final number of books = 12,

⇒ x = 12

Hence, he had 12 books before last week.

Answer 2

To solve this problem, we have to set up an equation. Let the variable x represent the number of books that Dimitrius had before last week. x - 5 - 3 + 8 = 12 To begin simplifying this equation, lets combine terms on the left side of the equation. x - 8 + 8 = 12 The -8 and +8 cancel each other out, leaving us with: x=12 Therefore, Dimitrius had 12 books before last week. Hope this helps! :)