Answer:
52 is the smallest number among that three even numbers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Keep in mind, that two consecutive even numbers have a difference of 2.
For example, [tex]10[/tex] is an even number. The even number right before
The sum of these three numbers would be:
[tex]x + (x+ 2) + ((x + 2)+ 2) = 3\,x + 6[/tex].
The question states that this sum shall be equal to [tex]162[/tex]. In other words,
[tex]3\, x + 6 = 162[/tex].
Subtract [tex]6[/tex] from both sides of the equation:
[tex]3\, x = 162 - 6[/tex].
[tex]3\, x = 156[/tex].
Divide both sides by [tex]3[/tex] to obtain:
[tex]x = 52[/tex].
hence, the smallest of the three even numbers is 52.
