human
Mark plants some strawberries in his backyard. Every month, the number of strawberry plants doubles. After 3 months, Mark digs up 4 strawberry plants and gives them to his friend. If he still has 20 strawberry plants, how many did he initially plant?
assistant
How many plants did Mark give away? ** First, add the 4 plants Mark gave away to the 20 he has left: 4 + 20 = <<4+20=24>>24
How many plants did Mark have after two months? ** Then divide this number by 2 to find how many plants Mark had after two months: 24 / 2 = <<24/2=12>>12
How many plants did Mark have after one month? ** Then divide that number by 2 to find how many plants Mark had after one month: 12 / 2 = <<6=6>>6
How many plants did Mark initially plant? ** Finally, divide that number by 2 to find out how many plants Mark initially planted: 6 / 2 = <<6/2=3>>3
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