Elyse had 100 pieces of gum. She gave half to her brother Rick. He gave half of his to his friend Shane. Shane chewed 11 pieces of gum. How many pieces does Shane have left? Give me reasons, before answering the question
Elyse gave half of her 100 pieces of gum, or 100 / 2 = 50 pieces of gum, to Rick. Rick gave half of his 50 pieces of gum, or 50 / 2 = 25 pieces of gum, to Shane. Shane had 25 pieces of gum and chewed 11, so he had 25 – 11 = 14 pieces of gum left. So the final answer is 14.