Question

The sum of 3 consecutive odd numbers is 183. What is the third number in this sequence?

Answer 1

61

Explanation:

3x + 6 = 183

3x = 177

x = 59

(x+2) = (59+2) = 61

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Answer 2

The third number in this sequence is 63.

Explanation:

Let the first odd number be x.

Since our sequence are consecutive odd numbers, the second term must be (x + 2) and the third (x + 4). If we only add one, we will get even numbers.

Their sum is 183. Hence:

`x+(x+2)+(x+4)=183`

Solve for x. Combine like terms:

`3x+6=183`

Subtract six from both sides:

`3x=177`

And divide both sides by three. Hence:

`x=59`

Therefore, our sequence is 59, 61, and 63.

The third number in this sequence is 63.

Note: If we do not get an odd number or if we get a fraction for x, we can conclude that no three consecutive integers sum to 183.