Karen's Check Balance Mystery

What was Karen's balance before writing the check?

Karen's balance before writing the check was $455.

According to the given data, Karen's balance before writing the check was $455. When Karen wrote a check for $72, she subtracted that amount from her checking account and found that the balance was $383 after writing the check.

To calculate Karen's balance before writing the check, we need to add the amount written on the check ($72) to the remaining balance in the account ($383) after subtracting the check amount. Therefore, Karen's balance before writing the check was $455.