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------------------------------------------------ Select the correct answer.

The sum of two consecutive numbers is 157. This equation, where [tex]n[/tex] is the first number, represents the situation: [tex]2n + 1 = 157[/tex].

What is the first number?

A. 77
B. 78
C. 79
D. 80

To find the first of the two consecutive numbers whose sum is 157, we start by considering the equation [tex]$2n + 1 = 157$[/tex]. Here, [tex]$n$[/tex] represents the first number, and [tex]$n + 1$[/tex] represents the second number, because consecutive numbers differ by 1.

Let's go through the steps to solve for [tex]$n$[/tex]:

1. Set up the equation:
[tex]\[
2n + 1 = 157
\][/tex]

2. Subtract 1 from both sides to eliminate the constant term on the left side:
[tex]\[
2n + 1 - 1 = 157 - 1
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
2n = 156
\][/tex]

3. Divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]$n$[/tex]:
[tex]\[
n = \frac{156}{2}
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
n = 78
\][/tex]

Thus, the first number is [tex]$\boxed{78}$[/tex], which matches option B.