Question 1134801
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<pre>
If she started with x hats, then


x + {{{8/2}}} = 17


x + 4 = 17


x = 17 - 4 = 13.     <U>ANSWER</U>


She started from (or with)  13 hats.
</pre>

Solved.


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Even if you are &nbsp;2-nd &nbsp;or &nbsp;3-rd &nbsp;grade student, &nbsp;you still can solve it &nbsp;MENTALLY, &nbsp;without using equations.


It is totally obvious how to do it . . .