Final answer:
To find the number of marbles Peter started with, we solve the equation 8 = 1/5 x by multiplying both sides by 5, resulting in x = 40. Therefore, Peter began the game with 40 marbles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peter lost 8 marbles in a game, and this number represents one fifth of the total number of marbles he had at the beginning. To find out how many marbles he had at the beginning, we can set up a simple equation and solve for the total number. Since 8 marbles is one fifth of the total, we can denote the total as x and write the equation as:
8 = ⅕ x
To solve for x, we multiply both sides of the equation by 5:
8 × 5 = (⅕ x) × 5
40 = x
So, Peter started with 40 marbles at the beginning of the game.