Question

The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 177. Find the number. Step by step please

Answer 1

57, 59 and 61

Explanation:

Let the first odd number be n The next consecutive odd number is n + 2 and the next one after that is n + 4
(consecutive odd numbers have difference of 2 between them. For example if 7 is the first odd number next one is 9(7+2) and the next one is 11(7+4)

We are given that the sum of the numbers is 177. So we have the following equation:

n + (n + 2) + (n +4) = 177

Simplifying gives

n + n + 2 + n + 4 = 177

Collect like terms:

n + n + n + 2 + 4 = 177
3n + 6 = 177

Subtract 6 from both sides
==> 3n = 177 - 6
==> 3n = 171

Divide by 3 both sides
3n/3 = 171/3

n = 57 and this is the first of the odd numbers

The next odd number is 57+ 2 = 59

and the next one after that is 59 + 2 = 61 (same as 57 + 4)

Answer 2

X=57 is the required answer and 57 59 and 61 are the required numbers