Question

The sum of three consecutive even numbers is one hundred sixty-two. What is the smallest of the three numbers?

Answer 1

The first guy is correct

Answer 2

Since the numbers are consecutive, they must be near each other in size, and therefore near one-third of 168. And since the lower number is -2 off the middle, and the upper number is +2 from the middle, the middle number must be exactly one-third of 168—otherwise the sum of the three could never be 168. Labelling the three consecutive numbers as x, y, and z:

x + y + z = 168

(y-2) + y + (y+2) = 168.

3y = 168

y = 56

therefore the smallest number (x) = 54.
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