Question

The sum if three consecutive even numbers is 78
What is the smallest of the three numbers ?

Answer 1

Let the smallest number equal n. Therefore, the other numbers are (n+2) and (n+4).

The sum of the three numbers are:


`n + (n+2) + (n+4)`


`=3n+6`

Since the sum equals 78,


`3n+6=78`

Divide both sides by 3,


`n+2=26`


`n=24`

Therefore, the smallest number is 24.