Question

Three friends decided to exercise together four times a week to lose fat and increase muscle mass. While all three were healthier after six weeks, one had lost 5 pounds, another had gained 3 pounds, and one had lost 4 pounds. What was the total number of pounds gained or lost by the three friends?

Answer 1

Lost 6 pounds

Explanation:

While all three were healthier after six weeks,

• the first friend had lost 5 pounds (this means
  `-5`),
• the second friend had gained 3 pounds (this means
  `+3`),
• the third friend had lost 4 pounds (this means
  `-4`).

In total, they lost 6 pounds because

`-5+3-4=-2-4=-6`