# Math Help - smallest number

1. ## smallest number

Consecutive numbers are whole numbers that follow in order such as 3,4,5,.Find the smallest of the five consecutive numbers whose sum is 100.

2. Originally Posted by ronaldj
Consecutive numbers are whole numbers that follow in order such as 3,4,5,.Find the smallest of the five consecutive numbers whose sum is 100.
$x+(x+1)+(x+2)+(x+3)+(x+4) = 100$

solve for $x$

3. Originally Posted by ronaldj
Consecutive numbers are whole numbers that follow in order such as 3,4,5,.Find the smallest of the five consecutive numbers whose sum is 100.
Let the first number be $x$, then the second will be $(x+1)$, the third $(x+2)$ ...

Set the sum of the numbers equal to 100...

4. Edit: I didn't realize this topic was a duplicate.

Let $x$ be the smallest of the five consecutive numbers whose sum is 100.

The number after $x$ is $x + 1$.

The number after $x + 1$ is $x + 1 + 1 = x + 2$.

The number after $x + 2$ is $x + 2 + 1 = x + 3$.

The number after $x + 3$ is $x + 3 + 1 = x + 4$.

These are our five consecutive numbers.

We are told their sum is 100. Therefore, $x + x + 1 + x + 2 + x + 3 + x + 4 = 100$.

Combine like terms.

$5x + 10 = 100$

Subtract 100 from both sides of the equation.

$5x = 90$

Divide by 5 on both sides of the equation.

$x = 18$

5. ## smallest number

Sincere apologies to all about duplicate!..Did not see original posting on Math Help Forum..RJ