The owner of a local jewellery store hired 3 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 $$\frac{1}{2}$$ of the diamonds he had then and 2 more besides. He escaped with one diamond. How many did he steal originally?

The owner of a local jewellery store hired 3 watchmen to guard his dia

1.	The owner of a local jewellery store hired 3 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 $$\frac{1}{2}$$ of the diamonds he had then and 2 more besides. He escaped with one diamond. How many did he steal originally?
A.	6
B.	5
C.	40
D.	one of these
Answer» B. 5