This is a common algebra problem. Let us start by establishing the numbers. By the way, here is the theory behind the math.
If we call the first number \(n\), then the next consecutive even number is 2 away, so we will call it \(n+2\), and so forth, the 3rd number \(n+4\)
Lets form an equation! We know that given the sum of the 3 consecutive even numbers is 78, the equation is:
\(n+(n+2)+(n+4)=78\)
Combine like terms, and we get:
\(3n+6=78\)
Subtract 6 from both sides.
\(3n=72\)
Divide both sides by 3, and we find our number to be:
\(n=24\)
Hope this helped! Good luck.
