The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 78. what is the first number

This is a common algebra problem. Let us start by establishing the numbers. By the way, here is the theory behind the math. 

If we call the first number , then the next consecutive even number is 2 away, so we will call it , and so forth, the 3rd number

Lets form an equation! We know that given the sum of the 3 consecutive even numbers is 78, the equation is:



Combine like terms, and we get: 



Subtract 6 from both sides.



Divide both sides by 3, and we find our number to be: 



Hope this helped! Good luck. 

The first number is 24

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