Answer:
Jessica had 32 candies at the beginning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Let the number of candies Jessica had at the beginning be [tex]x[/tex].
Candies gives to Judy = [tex]\frac{1}{8}x[/tex].
Now, candies left with Jessica is [tex]x-\frac{1}{8}x=\frac{7x}{8}[/tex].
Candies given to Reggie is [tex]\frac{3}{7}[/tex] of [tex]\frac{7x}{8}[/tex].
∴ Candies with Reggie is [tex]\frac{3}{7}\times\frac{7x}{8}=\frac{3x}{8}[/tex].
Candies left with Jessica after giving to Reggie = [tex]\frac{7x}{8}-\frac{3x}{8}=\frac{4x}{8}[/tex].
Now, Jessica lost 75% of what she had left. So, 75% of [tex]\frac{4x}{8}[/tex].
∴ Candies lost = [tex]\frac{75}{100}\times\frac{4x}{8}= \frac{3x}{8}[/tex]
Now, candies left with Jessica = [tex]\frac{4x}{8}-\frac{3x}{8}=\frac{x}{8}[/tex].
As per question,
Candies left with Jessica at last is 4. So,
[tex]\frac{x}{8}=4[/tex]
[tex]x=32[/tex]
Hence, Jessica had 32 candies at the beginning.