The owner of a local jewellery store hired three watchmen to guard his diamonds, but a thief still got in and stole some diamonds. On the way out, the thief met each watchman, one at a time. To each he gave 1/2 of the diamonds he had then, and 2 more besides. He escaped with one diamond. How many did he steal originally? Pick one
A) 40  B) 36  C) 25  D) None of these  E) Cannot be determined
Explanation :   Since, thief escaped with 1 diamond,   Before 3rd watchman, he had ( 1 + 2 ) x 2 = 6 diamonds.   Before 2nd watchman, he had ( 6 + 2 ) x 2 = 16 diamonds.   Before 1st watchman, he had ( 16 + 2 ) x 2 = 36 diamonds.   Answer : 36
<result>B</result>
The owner of a local jewellery store hired three watchmen to guard his diamonds, but a thief still got in and stole some diamonds. On the way out, the thief met each watchman, one at a time. To each he gave 1/2 of the diamonds he had then, and 2 more besides. He escaped with one diamond. How many did he steal originally?