I have a problem

[ledhed318]

Okay, I've been working on this for a while but it's still stumping me:

Phyllis handed out candy of children on Halloween. She gave 1/6 of her candy to the first group of children that came to her door. She gave ¼ of the remaining candy to the second group that appeared. Then she gave 1/3 of the remainder to the third group. At this point, she still had 30 pieces of candy left. How many pieces of candy did Phyllis have when she began?

I know it's something over 60, but that's it.

 

[james cook]

she originally had 72 pieces, try working backwards from 30

 

[ledhed318]

Thanks a whole lot. I never do too well at the working backwards problems.

 

[Denis]

Thanks a whole lot. I never do too well at the working backwards problems.

Well, if you prefer the other way (c = candies):
after 1/6, (5/6)c are left
after 1/4, (3/4)(5/6)c are left
after 1/3, (2/3)(3/4)(5/6)c are left

So (1/3)(3/4)(5/6)c = 30
5c/12 = 30
5c = 360
c = 72

MUCH EASIER to go backwards like James, right?