Question

the sum of 3 consecutive odd integers is 51. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

Using Algebra please

Answer 2

i guess 11
11 + 13 + 15 = 39
nope too low
try a higher number and i bet you will get it on the second try

Answer 3

I know the answer is 15, 17, 19

Answer 4

x+x+1+x+2=51

Answer 5

no need for any algebra, thinking is a human endeavour
make an educated guess

Answer 6

actually those are not consecutive odd integers
try \(n+(n+2)+(n+4)=51\)

Answer 7

I did 3x+3=51
x = 16

Answer 8

\(3n+6=51\) etc

Answer 9

x=2n-1

Answer 10

they are consecutive ODD integers, not consecutive integers
that is why you need \(n,n+2,n+4\)

Answer 11

@satellite73 why did you do n+2 then n + 4?

Answer 12

where n is odd

Answer 13

If I have
n = 13
n + 2 = 15
n + 4 = 19

Don't I need 17?

Answer 14

because n+1 and n+3 will be even if x+2 and x+4

Answer 15

(2n + 1) + (2n + 3) + (2n + 5) = 51 is the equation you want because each term is guaranteed to be odd. And guessing is NOT the way to go. Extremely bad advice. That is NOT reflective of thinking like one of the helpers suggested. Being able to set up the proper equation shows and develops thinking. Bad advice, @satellite73 .

Answer 16

\[(2n-1)+(2n+1)+(2n+3)=51\]\[3+6 n=51\]\[n=8 \]Plug in 8 for n to arrive at @tcarrollo10's solution.

Answer 17

Here's the rest of my solution. I have this post and one other previous post. (2n + 1) + (2n + 3) + (2n + 5) = 51 -> 6n + 9 = 51 -> 6n = 42 -> n = 7 So, 2n + 1 = 15. The other 2 numbers are gotten the same way and are 17 and 19. This is the true way to get the answer. There is another "slick" way to get the answer (again NO GUESSING, that's just ridiculous). This "slick method" can be done in your head very quickly: take 51 and divide by 3. You get 17. Go up 2 on one of the 17's and down 2 on the other.