Michael has $42. Michael gives away half the money to his brother. His brother then buys 3 dollars worth of candy. If his brother has $35 left, how much money, in dollars, did his brother have at first? Let's answer step by step:
Michael gives away 42 / 2 = 21 dollars. Before buying candy, his brother has 35 + 3 = 38 dollars. His brother had 38 - 21 = 17 dollars at first. The answer: 17.