Question

find three consecutive numbers whose sum is 81

Answer 1

Let the smallest number be x

The other 2 numbers are (x + 1) and (x + 2)

Their sum is 81

x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 81

x + x + 1 + x + 2 = 81

3x + 3 = 81

3x = 78

x = 26

Find the numbers:

first number = x = 26

2nd number = x + 1 = 26 + 1 = 27

3rd number = x + 2 = 26 + 2 = 28

Therefore the numbers are 26, 27 and 28

Answer 2

Consecutive numbers succeed or directly follow each other.

Let the numbers be x, x + 1 and x + 2.

Form an equation with the given values.

x + x + 1 + x + 2 = 81

Add the x's.

3x + 1 + 2 = 81

Add 1 and 2.

3x + 3 = 81

Move 3 over to 81 and subtract.

3x = 78

To find x, divide 78 by 3.

x = 26

Hence, the first number is 26. The other numbers are:

26 + 1 = 27

26 + 2 = 28