Question

The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 69. What is the third number in this sequence?

Answer 1

let the first odd number = x

the sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 69

(x) + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 69

Simplify. Combine like terms

3x + 6 = 69

Isolate the x. Note the equal sign. What you do to one side, you do to the other. Do the opposite of PEMDAS. First, subtract 6 from both sides

3x + 6 (-6) = 69 (-6)

3x = 63

Next, divide 3 from both sides to isolate the x.

3x/3 = 63/3

x = 63/3

x = 21

To solve for the third number, plug in 21 back into x.

(x + 4)

21 + 4 = 25

The third number is 25

hope this helps