The sum of three consecutive odd integers is 48, how do you find the largest integer?

2 Answers
Apr 25, 2017

The question has the wrong value as the sum. Summing 3 odd numbers will give an odd sum. However; the method is demonstrated through an example

Explanation:

Just to make this work lets derive the sum first. Suppose we had

9+11+13=33 as our initial odd number

Let the fist odd number be n

Then the second odd number is n+2

Then the third odd number is n+4

So we have:

n+(n+2)+(n+4)=33

3n+6=33

Subtract 6 from both sides

3n=27

Divide both sides by 3

n=9

So the largest number is 9+4=13

Apr 25, 2017

Explanation below.

Explanation:

The question is worded incorrectly because there are not three consecutive odd integers that add up to 48.

What I can do for you is leave you with this method of solving this problem. Let's say I was looking for 3 consecutive integers that add up to 81.

My first integer would be 2x-1
My second integer would be 2x+1
My third integer would be 2x+3

So my equation is...

2x-1+2x+1+2x+3=81

Add/Subtract common terms

6x+3=81

6x=81-3

6x=78

cancel6x/cancel6=78/6

x=13

Now we know the value of x so we plug it into our 3 equations.

My first integer would be 2(13)-1 ---> =25
My second integer would be 2(13)+1---> =27
My third integer would be 2(13)+3---> =29

So,

25+27+29=81