Question 1137767
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<pre>
Let n be the middle number of the three consecutive odd integers.


Then the first number is (n-2), while the third integer is (n+2).


The sum of the three numbers is 171:


    (n-2) + n + (n+2) = 171,   or

    3n = 171,


which gives


    n = 171/3 = 57.


Thus the numbers are  55, 57 and 59.    <U>ANSWER</U>
</pre>

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The lesson to learn from my solution is <U>THIS</U> :

<pre>
     The sum of three consecutive odd integer numbers is three times the middle number.
</pre>

Another form of this statement is <U>THIS</U> :

<pre>
     If you are given the sum of three consecutive odd integer numbers, then the middle number is  {{{1/3}}}  (one third)  of the sum.
</pre>

Therefore, by knowing this property, you can solve many other similar problems MOMENTARILY (and mentally, without using equations) (!)


As if you are a magician ( ! ! )