Question

Chelsea wanted to make note cards by cutting pieces of paper in half. Before starting she got 3 more pieces. When she was done she had 24 pieces. How many did she start with?

Answer 1

Chelsea started with 9 pieces.

Explanation:

The number of pieces Chelsea initially had = 3

Now, since the pieces are made by cutting pieces in to half.

So, the number of pieces made is DIVISIBLE BY 2.

Let us assume the number of pieces she stared with = m

So, the number of half pieces with m pieces = 2 x ( m) = 2 m

Also, the added pieces = 3

So, after cutting into HALF, the number of pieces obtained = 2 x 3

= 6 pieces

The total number of pieces at the end = 24 pieces.

⇒ The number of half pieces with m pieces + 6 pieces = 24 pieces

⇒ 2 m + 6 = 24

or, 2 m = 24 - 6 = 18

or, m = 18/2 = 9

or, m = 9

Hence, she initially had 9 pieces of paper.