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 1/3 of the diamonds he had then, and 3 more besides. He escaped with 3 diamonds. How many did he steal originally? Options
A) 198
B) 199
C) 200
D) None of these
E) Cannot be determined
Explanation :   Since, thief escaped with 3 diamond,   Before 3rd watchman, he had ( 3 + 3 ) x 3 = 18 diamonds.   Before 2nd watchman, he had ( 18 + 3 ) x 3 = 63 diamonds.   Before 1st watchman, he had ( 63 + 3 ) x 3 = 198 diamonds.   198nswer : 198
<result>A</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 1/3 of the diamonds he had then, and 3 more besides. He escaped with 3 diamonds. How many did he steal originally?