There are 216 couples competing in a dance contest.After each half hour one-third of the contest-ants are eliminated. How many couples will remain eligible for the prize after the first hour?

Question

a. 24
b. 46
c. 48
d. 96
e. 98

please answer and explain

Answer 1

After a half hour a third will go..
216x1/3=72 (go)
216-72=144 remaining after half hour

From the remaining 144, another third will go
144x1/3=48 (go in the second half hour=after an hour)
144-48=96 (left after an hour)

Therefore answer is d -96

Answer 2

The question asks how many remain after the first hour.

216/3 = 72
72/3 = 24