Question

The sum of 3 consecutive odd integers is k. In terms of k, what is the sum of the 2 smaller of these integers?

Answer 1

(2k-6)/3

Explanation:

Let the 3 consecutive odd integers be n, n+2 and n+4

Sum: n + n+2 + n+4 = k

3n+6 = k

3n = k - 6

n = (k - 6)/3

The 2 smaller of these integers are n and n+2

n = (k - 6)/3

n+2 = (k -6)/3 + 2/1 = (k-6+6)/3 = k/3

Sum of the 2 smaller integers

(k - 6)/3 + k/3 = (k-6+k)/3 = (2k-6)/3