Bob sold half of his stamp collection and then bought 16 more. He now has 36 stamps. With how many did he begin with?

Question

Bob sold half of his stamp collection and then bought 16 more. He now has 36 stamps. With how many did he begin with?

Answer 1

Let x = the number of stamps with which Bob started

(1/2)x + 16 = 36

(1/2)x = 20

x = 40 stamps