Given :
- Sum of three consecutive even numbers is 42. We are to find the smallest of the smallest consecutive even number.
Solution :
Let us assume the three consecutive even numbers be "x" , "(x + 2)" and "(x + 4)" . Here x is the smallest number .
So,
According to the Question :
x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 42
⇢x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 42
⇢ x + x + x + 2 + 4 = 42
⇢ 3x + 6 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ = 42
⇢ 3x ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀= 42 - 6
⇢ 3x ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀= 36
⇢ x ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀= 36/3
⇢ x ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ = 12
Hence, 12 is the smallest consecutive even number.