The sum of three consecutive even number is 42 what is the smallest of these numbers?

Question

Basically algebra and fractions 

Answer 1

We can call the lowest integer x, the next integer x+2 (since our integers need to be even) and the third integer x+4. Now we can set up an algebraic equation. 42=x+(x+2)+(x+4).

 

Combine like terms on the right side,

 

42= 3x+6. 

 

Subtract 6 from each side

 

36=3x

 

Divide each side by 3

 

x=12, which is our lowest integer. 

 

The next two integers we find with 12+2=14 and 12+4=16. Or just simply take the next two even integers. Thus, 12+14+16=42. 

 

Hope this helps.