Bert left the house with N dollars. He spent 1/3 of this at the hardware store, then $7 at the dry cleaners, and then half of what was left at the grocery store. When he got home, he had $10.50 left in his pocket. What was the value of N?  Choose the correct choice from the following:
A) $42  B) $44  C) $52  D) $60  E) $68
started to test answer $42   if he had 42, then he spent 13 2/3 at hardware store   now he was left with 27 1/3$   he spent 7 dollars on cleaning, thus he remained with 20 1/3$   he then spent 1/2 of 20 1/3 or 10.5,   hence,right OPTION is $42.
<result>A</result>
Bert left the house with N dollars. He spent 1/3 of this at the hardware store, then $7 at the dry cleaners, and then half of what was left at the grocery store. When he got home, he had $10.50 left in his pocket. What was the value of N?