Question

Find the three consecutive odd integers whose sum is 36.

Answer 1

Answer: No solution

Step-by-step explanation: We can start this problem in the usual way by setting up our three consecutive odd integers as followed.

X ⇒ first integer

X + 2 ⇒ second integer

X + 4 ⇒ third integer

X + (X + 2) + (X + 4) = 36

3x + 6 = 36

      -6    -6

3x = 30

÷3   ÷3

X = 10

Notice however that 10 is an even number and in the original problem, we are asked to find odd integers. Even though we can work this problem all the way through, we say that this answer doesn't make sense so we say there is no solution.