Word Problem!

Question

Dimitrius returned 5 library books last week, returned 3 books this week, and then checked out 8 more books. He now has 12 library books. How many books did he have before last week.

Answer 1

Let x = the number of books Dimitrius started with (before last week)

 

He returned 3 books this week, leaving him with x-3 books.

 

Then he checks out 8 new books, so he now has (x-3) + 8 = x + 5 books

 

He now has 12 library books:

 

x+5 = 12

Subtract 5 from both sides:

x = 7 books

 

Dimitrius started with 7 books