Question 426005
Let {{{x}}} = number of marbles she started with
given:
{{{ x - (1/2)*x - 8 = 16 }}}
multiply both sides by {{{2}}}
{{{ 2x - x - 16 = 32 }}}
{{{ x - 16 = 32}}}
Add {{{16}}} to both sides
{{{ x = 48 }}}
check:
She started with 48 marbles
She gave 24 to Irene, leaving 24
She gave 8 to Maria, leaving 16
OK