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 $72$ $72$

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

$x + x + 1 + x + 2 = 72$ $x + x+ 1 + x + 2 = 72$

adding like terms

$3 x + 3 = 72$ $3x + 3 = 72$

solving for $x$ $x$

subtract $3$ $3$ from both sides;

$3 x + 3 - 3 = 72 - 3$ $3x + 3 - 3 = 72 -3$

$3 x = 69$ $3x = 69$

Divide both the sides by $3$ $3$

$\frac{3 x}{3} = \frac{69}{3}$ $(3x) / 3 = 69 /3$

$x = 23$ $x = 23$