James had 1/8 as many pencils as Mark. When Mark gave half of her pencils to James, he then had 12 fewer pencils than he had. How many pencils did Mark have at first?
Confusingly written question !
When Mark gave half of her (?) pencils to James, he then had 12 fewer pencils than he had...
if Mark gives away 1/2 and has 12 less....then Mark had 24 to start .