Create an Algebraic Equation for the math problem

Question

The sum of 3 odd consecutive numbers is 159. What is the smallest of the 3 numbers?

Answer 1

n = the smallest

Consecutive odd integers are separated by 2, so

n + (n + 2) + (n + 4) = 159

3n + 6 = 159

n = (159 - 6)/3 = 51