Question 1137873
Work backwards.
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<b>In the end, Alvin has 5 apples left.</b>
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<b>Lastly, he gives half of his remaining apples plus half an apple to Ed.</b>
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Before this, Alvin had 11 apples.
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<b>Afterwards, he gives half of his remaining apples to David.</b>
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Before this, Alvin had 22 apples.
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<b>He then gives 1/4 of his remaining apples plus half an apple to Chris.</b>
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Before this, Alvin had 30 apples.
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<b>He gives 1/3 of his apples plus 2/3 of an apple to Bob.</b>
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Before this, Alvin had 46 apples.
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<b>Alvin started out with 46 apples.</b>
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Double-check:
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He starts with 46 apples and gives 1/3 of his apples (15.33 apples) + 2/3 of an apple (0.67 apples) to Bob.  That's 16 apples.  Giving away 16 apples from 46 leaves him with 30 apples.
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He has 30 apples and gives 1/4 of his apples (7.5 apples) + 1/2 of an apple (0.50 apples) to Chris.  That's 8 apples.  Giving away 8 apples from 30 leaves him with 22 apples.
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He has 22 apples and half his apples (11 apples) to David.  Giving away 11 apples from 22 leaves him with 11 apples.
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He has 11 apples and give half his apples (5.5 apples) + 1/2 of an apple (0.5 apples) to Ed.  That's 6 apples.  Giving away 6 apples from 11 leaves him with 5 apples.