Question

What is the smallest of the three numbers if the sum of three consecutive numbers is 72?

Answer 1

Let us assume the smallest number is x , and if x is the smallest number. the other two numberers x+1 , and x+2 .

The sum of these three numbers is `72`

`x + ( x+1) + ( x + 2) = 72`

`x + x+ 1 + x + 2 = 72`

adding like terms

`3x + 3 = 72`

solving for `x`

subtract `3` from both sides;

`3x + 3 - 3 = 72 -3`

`3x = 69`

Divide both the sides by `3`

`(3x) / 3 = 69 /3`

`x = 23`