Question

The sum of five consecutive numbers is 700, what is the first number?

Answer 1

138

Explanation:

(n) + (n+1) + (n+2) + (n+3) + (n+4) = 700

5n + 10 = 700

5n = 690

n = 138

Answer 2

The first number is 138.

Explanation:

Let the first number be x.

Then since they are consecutive numbers, the second number will be (x + 1), the third (x + 2), the fourth (x + 3) and the fifth being (x + 4).

We are given that their sum is 700. Therefore:

`x+(x+1)+(x+2)+(x+3)+(x+4)=700`

Solve for x. Combine like terms:

`5x+10=700`

Subtract 10 from both sides:

`5x=690`

Divide both sides by five. Therefore:

`x=138`

The first number is 138.