Question

The sum of three consecutive numbers is 357.

a.
Use an equation to find the smallest of the three numbers

Answer 1

Answer: The smallest number is 118.

Explanation:

Let's say that the consecutive numbers are x-1, x, x+1

The sum of the three consecutive numbers is 357

(x-1) + x + (x+1) = 357

So, 3x = 357

x = 357 ÷ 3

x = 119

The 3 consecutive numbers are: 118, 119 and 120

The smallest out of the 3 is clearly 118.

Hope this helps!