Question

if the sum of three consecutive natural numbers is 36 , the smallest number is

Answer 1

Let the smallest number be x
Then
x+x+1+x+2 = 36
3x+3 = 36
3x = 33
x = 11

Answer 2

Let the three consecutive numbers be x, 2x, 3x.
By Question
x+2x+3x=36
=>6x=36
Hence the numbers are
x=6
2x=2×6=12
3x=3×6=18
Hence the smallest number is 6.