At the start there are 12 birds in a cage. Every day for 4 days, 3 birds leave the cage. After the 4 days, 5 more birds are brought into the cage. Finally, 2 birds leave again. How many birds are in the cage now?

Step-by-step solution

1. Start with 12 birds in the cage.
2. Each day 3 birds leave: after 4 days $3\times 4=12$ birds leave, so $12-12=0$.
3. Add the 5 birds that are brought in: $0+5=5$.
4. Finally, 2 birds leave: $5-2=3$.
5. There are 3 birds in the cage now.

Concept tested: Sequential addition and subtraction of birds

Published 10 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked