Step One Set up the equation. Let x be the smallest number. A consecutive integer is one that follows after another number that is smaller. The difference between the two numbers is one.
x + x + 1 + x + 2 + x + 3 = 154
Step Two Collect all the like terms on the left. 4x + 6 = 154
Step 3 Solve 4x + 6 = 154 Subtract 6 from both sides. 4x = 154 - 6 4x = 148 Divide by 4 x = 148 / 4 x = 37 The smallest number is 37 <<<<< answer.