How many birds were at the feeder initially?

Question

While Michelle say observing birds at a bird feeder, one fourth of the birds flew away when they were startled by a noise. Two birds left the feeder to go to another stationed a few feet away. Three more birds flew into the branches of a nearby tree. Four birds remained at the feeder. How many birds were at the feeder initially?

Answer 1

x=# of birds to begin with

1/4 flew away

that leaves 3/4(x) at the feeder

2 left

(3/4)x-2 at the feeder now

3 more left

(3/4)x-2-3 at the feeder now

4 birds at the feeder

(3/4)x-2-3=4

(3/4)x-5=4

(3/4)x=4+5

(3/4)x=9

multiply both sides by (4/3)

x=9(4/3)

x=12 birds initially

check:

1/4 left leaving 9

2 more left leaving 7

3 more left leaving 4