Question

The sum of three consecutive numbers is 18. Find the smallest number :-​

Answer 1

• The numbers are 5, 6, and 7. The smallest number is 5.

Explanation:

Given :-

• The sum of three consecutive numbers is 18.

To Find :-

• The smallest number.

Solution :-

➊ To find the smallest number, let us consider the three consecutive numbers be x, x + 1, and x + 2.

Given :

• Sum of the numbers = 18.
• Numbers = x, x + 1, and x + 2.

According to the question,

↦ x + x + 1 + x + 2 = 18

↦ 3x + 3 = 18

↦ 3x = 18 - 3

↦ 3x = 15

↦ x = 15/3

➦ x = 5

∴ Hence, the required value of x is 5.

➋ Now we have the value of x. So, by putting the value of x in the assumed numbers we will find out the numbers and then check which is the smallest number.

➲ First number = x = 5.

➲ Second number = x + 1 = 5 + 1 = 6.

➲ Third number = x + 2 = 5 + 2 = 7.

∴ Hence, the smallest number is 5.

✻ Verification ✻

↦ x + x + 1 + x + 2 = 18

Putting x = 5 we get,

↦ 5 + 5 + 1 + 5 + 2 = 18

↦ 5 + 6 + 7 = 18

↦ 18 = 18

➦ LHS = RHS

∴ Hence, Verified ✔