The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 72. What is the smallest number?
The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 72. What is the smallest number?
Explanation
Let's denote the three consecutive even numbers as x, x + 2, and x + 4.
Given:
x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 72
Combine like terms:
3x + 6 = 72
Subtract 6 from both sides:
3x = 66
Divide by 3:
x = 22
The smallest number is 22.