Question 6924
Let x be the number of kids originally at the party.

Then:
 (1/2)x + 18 + (1/3)x = x  Simplify and solve for x.
(1/2)x + (1/3)x + 18 = x Add the fractions of x, common denominator is 6.
(3/6)x + (2/6)x + 18 = x
(5/6)x + 18 = x  Subtract (5/6)x from both sides.
18 = x - (5/6)x
18 = (1/6)x  Multiply both sides by 6.
x = 108 The number of kids originally at the party.

Check:

(1/2)(108) + 18 + (1/3)(108) = 54 + 18 + 36 = 108