Question

The sum of 3 consecutive odd numbers is 87. find the 3 numbers

Answer 1

The 3 numbers are 27, 29 and 31

Explanation:

The difference between two consecutive odd numbers or even numbers is 2

Let x = First odd number

Therefore:

x + 2 = Second odd number

x + 4 = Third odd number

Sum of these 3 consecutive odd numbers is 87:

x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 87

Expanding the brackets by applying the Distributive Law and then bringing all the like terms together:

x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 87

x + x + x + 2 + 4 = 87

3x + 6 = 87

3x = 87 - 6

3x = 81

`x = (81)/(3)`

x = 27

Substituting the calculated value of x in our expressions stated in the beginning

Therefore:

First odd number: 27

Second odd number: 27 + 2 = 29

Third odd number: 27 + 4 = 31