The sum of three consecutive even numbers is one hundred sixty-two. What is the smallest of the three numbers? Pls show work and the check too.

Since the numbers are consecutive, they must be near each other in size, and therefore near one-third of 168. And since the lower number is -2 off the middle, and the upper number is +2 from the middle, the middle number must be exactly one-third of 168—otherwise the sum of the three could never be 168. Labelling the three consecutive numbers as x, y, and z:

x + y + z = 168

(y-2) + y + (y+2) = 168.

3y = 168

y = 56

therefore the smallest number (x) = 54.
436 viewsView upvotes

1

Related Questions (More Answers Below)

The first guy is correct