Answer:
 
 
x=499.83 
y=500.16 
Explanation:
We can solve this problem with a system of equations: 
The total quantity of Nerds in the box: 
 (1)
 (1) 
The amount of Nerds left in the box: 
 
 
The number of portions Mrs. Konings has taken: 
 
 
The amount of Nerds left in the box decreases by a third each time she dumps out a portion: 
 (2)
 (2) 
Substituting (2) in (1): 
 (3) This is the equation
 (3) This is the equation 
Let's find 
 :
: 
 (4)
 (4) 
Now let's find 
 by substituting (4) in (2):
 by substituting (4) in (2): 
 (5)
 (5)