Question

the sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 81. what is the smallest of the three number?

Answer 1

81=x+x+1+x+2 given
81=3x+3 combine like terms
-3-3 subtraction property of equality
78=3x
/3/3 division property of equality
26=x symmetry property 
x=26
x+1=27
x+1=28/
26,27,28
26+27+28=81
so,26.27.and 8