The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 39. What are the smallest of these numbers?
let the 3 numbers be
x-2 , x, and x+2
x-2 + x + x+2 = 39
3x = 39
x = 13
so the smallest is 13-2 = 11
(the 3 numbers are 11, 13, and 15 )
IM SO STUPID
To solve this problem, let's break it down step by step:
1. Let's assume the smallest of the three consecutive odd numbers is "x".
2. The next consecutive odd number would be "x + 2" (since odd numbers are separated by 2).
3. The one after that would be "x + 4".
4. The sum of these three numbers is given as 39, so we can write the equation: x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 39.
5. Simplifying the equation, we have: 3x + 6 = 39.
6. Subtract 6 from both sides of the equation to isolate "3x": 3x = 33.
7. Divide both sides of the equation by 3 to solve for "x": x = 11.
Therefore, the smallest of the three consecutive odd numbers is 11.