The sum of 3 consecutive odd integers is 243. Find the integers.

Question

The sum of three consecutive odd integers is 243. Find the integers.

 

Answer 1

using algebra...

let x be an odd integer

x, x+2, and x+4 are the three consecutive odd integers

x+x+2+x+4=243

3x+6=243

3x=243-6

3x=237

x=237/3

x=79, x+2=81, and x+4=83

79, 81, and 83 are the integers

 

using arithmetic...

the sum of three consecutive odd integers is the same as the sum of the middle one used three times

example: 7+9+11=27 and 9+9+9=27

in your problem, 243/3=81, 81-2=79 and 81+2=83

79, 81, and 83 are the integers again