Question

the sum of two consecutive whole number is 53. the smaller number is

Answer 1

First number is x
second number is x+1
x+x+1=53
2x+1=53
2x= 53-1
2x=52
x=52/2
x=26
First number is x =26
Second number is x + 1
26+1 =27
26 , 27 is the answer

Answer 2

Let the two consecutive whole numbers be x and x + 1

Their sum = 53
x + x + 1 = 53
2x + 1 = 53
2x = 53 - 1
2x = 52
x = 52/2
x = 26

x + 1 = 26 + 1 = 27

Smaller number = 26