SOLUTION: The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is one hundred eighty-three. What is the smallest of the three numbers? My teacher gave the class a whole packet of work like this and i do

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Question 943113: The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is one hundred eighty-three. What is the smallest of the three numbers? My teacher gave the class a whole packet of work like this and i don't even know where to start to solve this problem. Please help.
Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It becomes a simple algebra problem once you convert it to one.

Letting x be the smallest odd number, the second one must be x+2 and the third must be x+4 (not x+1, x+2 since they are odd and differ by 2). Then x + (x+2) + (x+4) = 183. Solve for x. You should obtain x = 59 if done correctly. To check, 59+61+63 = 183.