kristin bought eight boxes. a week later half of her boxes were destroyed in a fire. there are now only 17 boxes left. with how many did she start?
(X+8)/2= 17
X+8= 17x2
X+8=34
X= 34-8
X= 26 boxes
looks good.
To find out how many boxes Kristin started with, we can use a simple equation. Let's break down the information given:
1. Kristin bought eight boxes.
2. A week later, half of her boxes were destroyed in a fire.
3. There are now only 17 boxes left.
Let's assume that the number of boxes Kristin started with is "x." According to the information given, she initially had x boxes, and then half were destroyed. After the fire, there were 17 boxes left, so x - (1/2)x = 17.
To solve this equation, we can combine like terms: (1/2)x = x - 17.
Now, we can simplify the equation by multiplying both sides by 2 to remove the fraction: x = 2(x - 17).
Next, distribute the 2 on the right side of the equation: x = 2x - 34.
To isolate the x term, subtract 2x from both sides of the equation: -x = -34.
Finally, divide both sides of the equation by -1 to solve for x: x = 34.
Therefore, Kristin started with 34 boxes.