A monk has a very specific ritual for climbing up the steps to the temple.

First he climbs up to the middle step and meditates for 1 minute. Then he climbs up 8 steps and faces east until he hears a bird singing. Then he walks down 12 steps and picks up a pebble. He takes one step up and tosses the pebble over his left shoulder. Now, he walks up the remaining steps three at a time which only takes him 9 paces.

How many steps are there?

Question

A monk has a very specific ritual for climbing up the steps to the temple. 

First he climbs up to the middle step and meditates for 1 minute. Then he climbs up 8 steps and faces east until he hears a bird singing. Then he walks down 12 steps and picks up a pebble. He takes one step up and tosses the pebble over his left shoulder. Now, he walks up the remaining steps three at a time which only takes him 9 paces. 

How many steps are there?

anonymous · Answer

m= middle step and meditation

m+8-12+1+(3*9)
m+8-12+1+27
m-4+28
m 24*2=48 total steps on the temple.