If 3 consecutive numbers have a sum of 51:
a. there are many possible answers for the 3 numbers
b. the smallest number is 17
c. the numbers are 16, 17 and 18
d. the numbers are 14, 17 and 20
e. none of the above are correct
2007-05-30 10:14:06 · 5 answers · asked by pretty woman 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Three consecutive numbers, using x for the smallest number are: x, x+1, and x+2.
The sum of those being 51 yields this equation:
x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 51
Which can be solved:
x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 51
3x + 3 = 51
3x = 48
x = 16
If x=16, then (x+1)=17, and (x+2)=18. That's answer (c): 16, 17, 18. Checking our answer:
16+17+18 = 51?
51 = 51
Looking at the other choices:
(a) is not correct, there is only one possible answer.
(b) is not correct, the smallest number is 16.
(d) is not correct, those numbers are not even consecutive.
2007-05-30 10:16:59 · answer #1 · answered by McFate 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
16 + 17 + 18 = 51
2016-04-01 05:31:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
c.
x+x+1+x+2=51
3x+3=51
3x+3-3=51-3
3x=48
x=16 x+1=17 x+2=18
2007-05-30 10:20:07 · answer #3 · answered by Dave aka Spider Monkey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only answer could be c
2007-05-30 10:23:07 · answer #4 · answered by MattG83 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
c
2007-05-30 10:17:26 · answer #5 · answered by nick w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋