1. **State the problem:** Jack had some stickers, say $x$. Ben had 470 more stickers than Jack, so Ben had $x + 470$ stickers. 2. Ben gave 735 stickers to Jack. After this, Jack's stickers become $x + 735$ and Ben's stickers become $(x + 470) - 735 = x - 265$. 3. At the end, Jack had 5 times as many stickers as Ben. So, we write the equation: $$x + 735 = 5(x - 265)$$ 4. Solve the equation: $$x + 735 = 5x - 1325$$ Subtract $x$ from both sides: $$735 = 4x - 1325$$ Add 1325 to both sides: $$735 + 1325 = 4x$$ $$2060 = 4x$$ Divide both sides by 4: $$x = \frac{2060}{4} = 515$$ 5. Jack initially had 515 stickers. Ben initially had: $$x + 470 = 515 + 470 = 985$$ **Answer:** Ben had 985 stickers at first. 6. **Check:** After Ben gives 735 stickers to Jack: Jack: $515 + 735 = 1250$ Ben: $985 - 735 = 250$ Check if Jack has 5 times Ben: $$1250 = 5 \times 250$$ True, so the solution is correct.