Question

The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 48. what is the smallest of these numbers?

Answer 1

The smallest number is

14

Explanation:

Let: x= the 1st con.even number

x+2=the 2nd con.even number

x+4=the 3rd con.even number

Add the terms and equate it with the total, 48

x + ( x + 2 ) + ( x + 4 ) = 48 , simplify

x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 48 , combine like terms

3 x + 6 = 48 , isolate x

x = 48 − 6 3 , find the value of x

x = 14