Question

Sum of three consecutive numbers is 39. Find the numbers.
[3 marks]

Answer 1

Let the smallest number be '$x$'
Since, we are considering three consecutive numbers, the other two numbers will be $x+1$ and $x+2$.
$x+(x+1)+(x+2)=39$
(1 mark)

$\Rightarrow 3x+3=39\Rightarrow 3x+3-3=39-3\Rightarrow 3x=36\Rightarrow 3x÷3=36÷3\Rightarrow x=12$

(1 mark)

Thus, the three consecutive numbers are 12, 12+1, and 12+2.
So, 12, 13 and 14 are the required numbers. (1 mark)