Michael’s watermelon weighs 8 pounds and Clay’s weighs 3 times that so it weighs 8*3 = <<8*3=24>>24 pounds

John’s watermelon is half the size of Clay’s 24-pound watermelon so it weighs 24/2 = <<24/2=12>>12 pounds

# Answer

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<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Michael’s largest watermelon weighs 8 pounds.  His neighbor, Clay, grew a watermelon three times that size.  And their mutual friend, John, grew a watermelon that was half the size of Clay’s.  How big was John’s watermelon?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
12
Michael’s largest watermelon weighs 8 pounds.  His neighbor, Clay, grew a watermelon three times that size.  And their mutual friend, John, grew a watermelon that was half the size of Clay’s.  How big was John’s watermelon?
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