SOLUTION: The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 138. What is smallest of the three numbers ?

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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) About Me  (Show Source):
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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