SOLUTION: Bill gave one-third of his jellybeans to a friend, ate two-thirds of the remaining jellybeans, and had eight jellybeans left over. How many jellybeans did Bill have originally?

If you need immediate math help from PAID TUTORS right now, click here. (paid link)
Click here to see ALL problems on Proportions

Question 12959: Bill gave one-third of his jellybeans to a friend, ate two-thirds of the remaining jellybeans, and had eight jellybeans left over. How many jellybeans did Bill have originally?
Found 2 solutions by verde, ans_virgo4@hotmail.com:
Answer by verde(1) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
if you work backwards it is easier to figure out the answer.
at the end he was left with 8 jellybeans.
before this he ate two thirds - this tells us that 8 equals one third, therefore he previosly had 24 jellybeans. (8*3=24)
if he gave one third to a friend then the remaining amount must be two thirds, therefore he began with 36 jellybeans. (24/2=12 12*3=36)

Answer by ans_virgo4@hotmail.com(2) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
12*3=36 =3=36/12
=3=3
=3/3
=1ANS