The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 51. Find the first number.
A) 3
B) 23
C) 15
D) 9
E) 36

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let x be the first odd number, then the next two consecutive odd numbers are x+2 and x+4.
According to the problem, we have:
x + (x+2) + (x+4) = 51
Simplifying the left-hand side, we get:
3x + 6 = 51
Subtracting 6 from both sides, we get:
3x = 45
Dividing both sides by 3, we get:
x = 15
Therefore, the first odd number is 15, which is answer choice C.

The Sum of Three Consecutive Odd Numbers Is 51