Question

Dennis thought of a number. He adds 0.5 to that number and then multiplies the new result by 4. He then subtracts 2 and divides the number by 2. His final answer is 48. What number did Dennis start with?

Answer 1

Let the number Dennis thought of be x,

let according to the question

(((x+0.5)*4)-2)/2=48

((x+0.5)*4)-2=96 (multiplying both sides by 2)

(x+0.5)*4=98 (adding 2 to both sides)

(x+0.5)=24.5 (dividing both sides by 4)

x=24 (adding 0.5)

There you have it. Dennis thought of 24