Question

The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 87.
What is the smallest of the three numbers ?

Answer 1

Call the three consecutive odd numbers x, x+2 and x+4

We have : x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 87

3x + 6 = 87
3x = 87 - 6 = 81 => x = 27

So, the smallest of the 3 numbers is 27.

Answer 2

31

Explanation:

27, 29, and 31 are in consecutive order and the sum of the three numbers is 87. 27 is the smallest number out of the three, so that is your answer.