The clown is holding 3 x 12 = <<3*12=36>>36 balloons.

This many children buy a balloon: 3 + 12 = <<3+12=15>>15 kids.

After the children buy the balloons, the clown is holding this many in his hand 36 - 15 = <<36-15=21>>21 balloons.

# Answer

21
Question:
At the circus, the clown has 3 dozen balloons on a string in his hand.  3 boys and 12 girls buy a balloon each.  How many balloons is the clown still holding?
Answer:
Let's think step by step.

user
21
At the circus, the clown has 3 dozen balloons on a string in his hand.  3 boys and 12 girls buy a balloon each.  How many balloons is the clown still holding?
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