Dick R.

asked • 08/29/16

There are 3 consecutive odd numbers such that if you add 4 to the smallest number and quadruple the sum, the result equals three times the largest of the number

Algebra word problem

Neal D.

Is the problem written correctly?  I get consecutive even numbers to 
work, but I do not get consecutive odd numbers for an anwer.
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08/29/16

1 Expert Answer

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Mark M. answered • 08/29/16

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Three consecutive odd numbers:
n, n + 2, n + 4
Add 4 to the smallest
n + 4, n + 2, n + 4
Quadruple the sum
4(n + 4 + n + 2 + n + 4) = 3(n + 4)
 
Now solve for n.
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Arturo O.

I follow the math OK.  The last equation gives
 
4(3n + 10) = 3(n + 4)
12n + 40 = 3n + 12
9n = -28
n = -28/9
 
The answer is not an integer, so I suspect the problem is not stated correctly, as Neal hinted.
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08/29/16

Neal D.

I saw that same thing long ago.
 
-4, -2, 0  will work as the problem is written.  With some of the operations that take place, I don't know if you can get ODD numbers for answers.
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08/30/16

Arturo O.

Note also that if you quadruple a sum of odd numbers you get an even number.  But if you triple an odd number, you get an odd number.  Since the two cannot be the same, the problem statement with odd numbers must be wrong.
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08/30/16

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