document.write( "Question 1163025: A Prince picked a basket full of golden apples in the enchanted orchard. On his way home, he was stopped by a troll who guarded the orchard. The troll demanded payment of one-half of the apples plus two more. The prince gave him the apples and set off again. A little further on, he was stopped by a second troll guard. This troll demanded payment of one-half of the apples the prince now had plus two more. The prince paid him and set off again. Just before leaving the enchanted orchard, a third troll stopped him and demanded one-half of his remaining apples plus two more. The prince paid him and sadly went home. He had only two golden apples left.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "(a) How many apples had he picked? (show all your workings)
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Algebra.Com's Answer #786966 by Boreal(15235)\"\" \"About 
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He had two left.
\n" ); document.write( "He had eight before the third troll (gave half + 2 more).
\n" ); document.write( "he had 20 before the second troll
\n" ); document.write( "He had 44 before the first troll.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "start with 8x+16 apples, so can easily divide by 2
\n" ); document.write( "gives away 4x+8+2 and now has 4x+6 apples
\n" ); document.write( "gives away 2x+3+2 and now has 2x+1 apples
\n" ); document.write( "gives away x+0.5+2 and now has x-1.5 apples=2
\n" ); document.write( "therefore 2x-3=4
\n" ); document.write( "2x=7 apples
\n" ); document.write( "8x=28 apples
\n" ); document.write( "8x+16=44 apples.
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