To solve this problem, we need to determine the value of x, which represents the initial number of pollywogs in the pond.
Let's break down the information given:
Rate at which pollywogs leave the pond: 50 pollywogs per day
Rate at which Melvin catches and releases pollywogs: 10 pollywogs per day for the first 20 days
Total number of days it took for all pollywogs to disappear: 44 days
We can set up the equation as follows:
Initial number of pollywogs - (Rate at which pollywogs leave the pond * Total number of days) - (Rate at which Melvin catches and releases pollywogs * Number of days Melvin catches and releases pollywogs) = 0
x - 50 * 44 - 10 * 20 = 0
Let's simplify and solve for x:
x - 2200 - 200 = 0
x - 2400 = 0
To isolate x, we add 2400 to both sides of the equation:
x - 2400 + 2400 = 0 + 2400
x = 2400
The value of x is 2400.
#### 2400
The answer is: 2400
Below is a math problem. Provide a detailed, step-by-step solution.

### Problem:
Elmer has a pond that initially contained x pollywogs, but these pollywogs matured into toads and left the pond at a constant rate of 50 pollywogs per day.  In addition, Elmer has a son named Melvin, who loves to catch pollywogs, remove them from the pond, and release them into a nearby stream.  For the first 20 days, Melvin caught 10 pollywogs per day and released them into the stream. It took 44 days for all of the pollywogs to disappear from the pond.

### Answer:
