Bert left the house with N dollars. He spent 1/4 of this at the hardware store, then $9 at the dry cleaners, and then half of what was left at the grocery store. When he got home, he had $12 left in his pocket. What was the value of N?  Choose the correct choice from the following options
A) $ 36
B) $ 44
C) $ 52
D) $ 60
E) $ 68

Rationale: "started to test answer b if he had 44 , then he spent 11 at hardware store now he was left with 33 $ he spent 9 dollars on cleaning , thus he remained with 24 $ he then spent 1 / 2 of 24 , or 12 , and was left with 12 . hence , the only option that can be right is b"
Answer: B