Bethany is working at the front desk at Joe’s Gym. There were some people lifting weights when she started her shift. Then 5 more people came in and started running on the treadmill and 2 people left. There are now 19 people in the gym. How many people were lifting weights at the start of Bethany’s shift? Give the rationale and then the answer.
Let's think step by step. We know that 5 people came in and 2 people left after Bethany’s shift started, so there was a net change of 5 – 2 = 3 people. If there are 19 people now in the gym and that is 3 more than when Bethany’s shift started, we know there were 19 – 3 = 16 people lifting weights at the start of her shift.. The answer is: 16.

A fifth-grade class went on a field trip to the zoo, and their class of 10 students merged with another class with the same amount of students. 5 parents offered to be a chaperone, and 2 of the teachers from both classes will be there too. When the school day was over, the students could choose to go home and 10 of them left. Two of the chaperones were parents in that group, so they left as well. How many individuals were left at the zoo? Give the rationale and then the answer.
Let's think step by step. A total of 10 * 2 = 20 students went on the field trip. Some chaperones showed up, letting the group grow to 20 + 5 = 25 individuals. The teachers had to come as well, making the group as big as 25 + 2 = 27 individuals. When the school day ended, 27 - 10 = 17 individuals were left. A couple of chaperones followed suit, leaving 17 - 2 = 15 people at the zoo.. The answer is: 15.

Alex had 36 ounces of jelly beans. He ate 6 ounces. Then he divided the rest equally into 3 piles. How much does each pile weigh? Give the rationale and then the answer.
Let's think step by step. Start by taking out the ones he ate: 36 ounces - 6 ounces = 30 ounces. Divide the remainder equally: 30 ounces / 3 piles = 10 ounces per pile.. The answer is: 10.