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Question 764875:  The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 138. What is smallest of the three numbers ?  
 Answer by lenny460(1073)      (Show Source): 
You can  put this solution on YOUR website! The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 138. What is smallest of the three numbers ? 
 
Let the three consecutive even numbers be:
 
n
 
n + 2 and
 
n + 4
 
Therefore:
 
n + n + 2 + n + 4 = 138
 
Combine like terms:
 
3n + 6 = 138
 
3n + 6 - 6 = 138 - 6
 
6 - 6 = 0
 
138 - 6 = 132
 
3n = 132
 
Divide each side by 3
 
3n/3 = 132/3
 
n = 44
 
 
Therefore the three consecutive even numbers are:
 
44, 46 and 48
 
Check:
 
44 + 46 = 90 + 48 = 138
 
 
Answer:
 
44
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lennox Obuong 
Algebra Tutor 
Nairobi, Kenya 
Email: lennoxobuong@yahoo.com  
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