The answer is approximately 8.1
First, let x or any variable represent the number of paintings Kate initially has. After selling 12 of it, her paintings now becomes only x - 12. Then, she purchased 7 more making the number of her paintings become x - 12 + 7 = x - 5. This number tantamount to 21.
x - 5 = 21 ; x = 26
Thus, Kate initially had 26 paintings.
Answer:
Distributive Property
Step-by-step explanation:

8-2.5 is 5.5 because when you subtract 2 from 6 you get 6b and when you subtract .5 from 6 you get 5.5