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the sum of three consecutive even numbers is 78. what is the first number


Sagot :

Cam943
This is a common algebra problem. Let us start by establishing the numbers. By the way, here is the theory behind the math. 

If we call the first number [tex]n[/tex], then the next consecutive even number is 2 away, so we will call it [tex]n+2[/tex], and so forth, the 3rd number [tex]n+4[/tex]

Lets form an equation! We know that given the sum of the 3 consecutive even numbers is 78, the equation is:

[tex]n+(n+2)+(n+4)=78[/tex]

Combine like terms, and we get: 

[tex]3n+6=78[/tex]

Subtract 6 from both sides.

[tex]3n=72[/tex]

Divide both sides by 3, and we find our number to be: 

[tex]n=24[/tex]

Hope this helped! Good luck. 
452
[tex]x+(x+2)+(x+4)=78\\3x+6=78\\3x=78-6\\3x=72\\ \\x= \frac{72}{3} \\ \\x=24[/tex]

The first number is 24