The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 159. What is the smallest of the three numbers? Algebra Expressions, Equations, and Functions Problem-Solving Models 1 Answer sente Nov 1, 2016 #51# Explanation: Let #n# represent the least of the odd numbers. Then the next two will be #n+2# and #n+4#. That their sum is #159# gives us #n+(n+2)+(n+4) = 159# #=> 3n+6 = 159# #=> 3n = 153# #:. n = 51# Checking, we find that #51+53+55 = 159# as desired. Answer link Related questions What are the steps to solving a word problem? Where do I start when I'm trying to solve a word problem? How do you check a solution to a problem? What are the different strategies used to solve a word problem? What is the best method of determining the cost of downloading 26 movies, if it cost $2.25 to... How do you solve word problems involving percents? What are commonly used math terms that translates to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division? How much pure antifreeze should be added to 3 gallons of a 30 percent antifreeze solution to get... How would you use equations to calculate the age of Al given that Al's father is 45 and he is 15... How do you solve #x=(y-1)/(y+1)# for y? See all questions in Problem-Solving Models Impact of this question 11906 views around the world You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License