the sum of three consecutive numbers is 72. what are the smallest of these numbers?

Question

the sum of three consecutive numbers is 72. what are the smallest of these numbers?

Answer 1

Call the numbers x, x+1, and x+2

 

Then x + (x+1) + (x+2) = 72

 

                        3x + 3 = 72

 

                               3x = 69

 

                                 x = 23

 

Answer 2

23...take 72 and divide by 3.  This gives you 24.  So you need: (24-1), 24, and (24+1).  23+24+25=72