Question

The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 153 what is the smallest of the three numbers?

Answer 1

`n+(n+2)+(n+4)=153` -- combine like terms

`3n+6=153` -- subtract 6 from both sides

`3n=147` -- divide by 3

`n=49`

So the numbers are 49, (49+2) and (49+4)
I.e. 49, 51, and 53
But the question only wants the smallest (i.e. the first of the consecutive odd numbers).

The smallest of the 3 consecutive odd numbers that sum to 153 is 49

Answer 2

`a+a+2+a+4=153 \\ \\ 3a+6=153 \\ \\ 3a=153-6 \\ \\ 3a=147 \\ \\ \boxed{a=(147)/(3)=49- \ the \ smallest} \\ \\ a+2=49+2=51 \\ a+4=49+4=53`