story problems

Question

the sum of three consecutive numbers is 84. What is the smallest of the three numbers?

Answer 1

Good Morning, Kristine,

Let's assign some expressions first, okay? 

x = the first number 
x + 1 = the second number 
x + 2 = the third number


Now, we are told the sum of these three consecutive numbers is 84, right? Therefore: 

x + x +1 + x + 2 = 84 <---let's simplify this. 
3x + 3 = 84 <---let's solve for x, okay? 
3x = 81 
x = 27



Now, all we need to do is substitute 27 for x, okay? 

x = 27 <---the first number
x + 1 = 28 <---the second number
x + 2 = 29 <---the third number

Let's check our work, okay? The sum of the three above numbers must equal 84, right? 

27
28
28"
---
84  The solution checks out. Therefore the smallest of the three numbers is 27. 


I hope this solution assists you and that you have a great day tomorrow. If you have any feedback or further questions about this solution, please feel free to leave your comment directly beneath this answer. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to any tutor. Best! 

Answer 2

n = the smallest

 

n + (n + 1) + (n + 2) = 84

 

3n + 3 = 84

 

Can you solve for n and finish from here?