What is the smallest of the three numbers if the sum of three consecutive numbers is 72?

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Answer 1 · 2014-09-28T17:39:37

Let us assume the smallest number is x , and if x is the smallest number. the other two numberers x+1 , and x+2 .

The sum of these three numbers is #72#

#x + ( x+1) + ( x + 2) = 72#

#x + x+ 1 + x + 2 = 72#

adding like terms

#3x + 3 = 72#

solving for #x#

subtract #3# from both sides;

#3x + 3 - 3 = 72 -3#

#3x = 69 #

Divide both the sides by #3#

#(3x) / 3 = 69 /3#

#x = 23#