The sum of 3 consecutive odd numbers is 51. what is the second number in this sequence?

x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 51

3x + 6 = 51

3x = 45

x = 15

So second number in the sequence is 15 + 2

= 17 (answer)

hello from mrbilldoesmath!

answer:   x (x+6)^2, choice b

discussion:

factor x out of the equation:

x^3 + 12x^2 + 36x = x (x^2 + 12x + 36).

note that 6+6 = 12 and 6*6 = 36 so the above factors into:

x (x+6)^2

which is choice b

you,

mrb