Question

The sum of three consecutive odd integers is -75. What is the smallest number

Answer 1

Answer:

-27

Step-by-step explanation:

First, let's call the smallest number: n

Then, the next two consecutive odd numbers would be:

n+2 and n+4 (this is because it's only odd numbers so we add 2)

We know the sum of these is −75 so we can write this equation and solve for n:

n + (n + 2) + (n + 4) = -75

n + n + 2 + n + 4 = -75

n + n + n + 2 + 4 = -75

n + n + n + 6 = -75

1n + 1n + 1n + 6 = -75

3n + 6 = -75        Subtract 6 from each side, which cancels the 6 on the left.

3n + 6 - 6 = -75 - 6

3n = -75 - 6

3n = -81       Divide each side by 3

3n/3 = -81/3

n = -81/3

n = -27

n + 2 = -27 + 2 = -25

n + 4 = -27 + 4 = -23

The 3 consecutive odd integers would be:

-27, -25, -23

Let's check our work:

-27 + -25 + -23 = -75    We are correct!

The smallest number is -27