Lizzie had many cookies, after eating one she gave half of the remainder to her sister. After eating another cookie, she gave half of what was left to her brother. Lizzie now only had five cookies left, how many cookies did she start with?

A 12

B 17

C 21

D 23

E 43

Question

Lizzie had many cookies, after eating one she gave half of the remainder to her sister. After eating another cookie, she gave half of what was left to her brother. Lizzie now only had five cookies left, how many cookies did she start with?

A 12
	
B 17
	
C 21
	
D 23
	
E 43

anonymous · Answer

It should be 23.

If you go the other way around, it would be 5 times 2 = 10 + 1 
= 11
times 2 = 22
+ 1 = 23

tkhunny · Answer

C = Original Number of Cookies.

There, you're about half done.  Now, translate the rest of the problem statement in terms of C.

whpalmer4 · Answer

$$\frac{\frac{C-1}2 - 1}{2}=5$$

anonymous · Answer

23 is the ans
if u go from end to start of the Q then
5x2=10    [add brother's half]
10+1=11 [add the one she ate]
11x2=22  [add sister's half]
22+1=23 [add the one she ate]