Final answer:
To find the smallest number of four consecutive even numbers with a sum of 292, we can set up an equation and solve for x. The smallest number is 70.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the smallest number, we can start by representing the four consecutive even numbers as x, x+2, x+4, and x+6.
The sum of these four numbers is given as 292, so we can set up the equation: x + (x+2) + (x+4) + (x+6) = 292.
Combining like terms, x + x + x + x + 2 + 4 + 6 = 292, which simplifies to 4x + 12 = 292.
Subtracting 12 from both sides of the equation gives us 4x = 280. Dividing both sides by 4, we find x = 70.
Therefore, the smallest number is 70, which corresponds to option c.