Answer:
Billie has gone 15 spaces forward from the start of the board game.
Explanation:
In this board game, Billie goes forward if he throws an even number on a pair of dice and backward if he throws an odd number. Additionally, if he throws odd numbers that would take him off the board, he stays at the starting point.
First Throw (12)
Since 12 is an even number, Billie moves forward 12 spaces.
Second Throw (9)
Since 9 is an odd number, Billie moves backward 9 spaces.
Therefore, Billie is now 12 - 9 = 3 spaces from the start of the board.
Third Throw (8)
Since 8 is an even number, Billie moves forward 8 spaces.
Therefore, Billie is now 3 + 8 = 11 spaces from the start of the board.
Fourth Throw (4)
Since 4 is an even number, Billie moves forward 4 spaces.
Therefore, Billie is now 11 + 4 = 15 spaces from the start of the board.
To find out how far Billie has gone from the start of the board game in one calculation, we add up his movements, ensuring we subtract the number of spaces he moves backward:

Therefore, Billie has gone 15 spaces forward from the start of the board game.