The sum of three consecutive odd numbers is 5 more than twice the next consecutive odd number. What is the highest among the four odd numbers?
Representation: Let x = the odd number
x + 2 = second odd number
x + 4 = third odd number
x + 6 = fourth odd number
Equation: x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 5 + 2(x + 6)
Solution: x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 5 + 2(x + 6)
3x + 6 = 5 + 2x + 12
3x + 6 = 2x + 17
3x - 2x = 17 - 6
x = 11; x + 2 = 13; x + 4 = 15; x + 6 = 17
Answer: The highest among the four odd numbers is 17.
Check: x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 5 + 2(x + 6)
11 + 11 + 2 + 11 + 4 = 5 + 2(11 + 6)
39 = 5 + 22 + 12
39 = 39 (Equal)
