There were some people on a train. 19 people get off the train at first stop.17 people get on the train. now there are 63 people on the train. how many people were on the train to begin with? show your method

Let the people initially on the train be 'x'.

19 people got off the train --> x - 19

17 people got on the train --> x - 19 + 17

Remaining people on the train = 63

Therefore, x - 19 + 17 = 63
                  x - 2 = 63
                       x = 63 + 2
                       x = 65

Verification:
65 - 19 + 17 = 63
65 - 2 = 63
63 = 63

Hope I helped!