Bert left the house with N dollars. He spent 1/4 of this at the hardware store, then $9 at the dry cleaners, and then half of what was left at the grocery store. When he got home, he had $12 left in his pocket. What was the value of N?
Options:
A) $36
B) $44
C) $52
D) $60
E) $68
started to test answer B   if he had 44, then he spent 11 at hardware store   now he was left with 33$   he spent 9 dollars on cleaning, thus he remained with 24$   he then spent 1/2 of 24, or 12, and was left with 12.   hence, the only option that can be right is $44
<result>B</result>
Bert left the house with N dollars. He spent 1/4 of this at the hardware store, then $9 at the dry cleaners, and then half of what was left at the grocery store. When he got home, he had $12 left in his pocket. What was the value of N?