The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 123 what is the smallest of the three numbers

39

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the three consecutive odd numbers be:

x+2, x+4, x+6.

The sum of the consecutive numbers is 123 i. e

x+2 + (x+4) + (x+6) = 123

x + 2 + x + 4 + x + 6 = 123

3x + 12 = 123

Collect like terms

3x = 123 - 12

3x = 111

Divide both side by the coefficient of x i. e 3

x = 111/3

x = 37

Now let us find the value of the three odd numbers. This is illustrated:

1st : x + 2 = 37 + 2 = 39

2nd : x + 4 = 37 + 4 = 41

3rd : x + 6 = 37 + 6 = 43

The smallest of the three consecutive odd numbers is 39