College

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

Answer :

To solve the problem of finding the first number, let's use the given equation:

The sum of two consecutive numbers is 157. We can express this as:

[tex]\[ 2n + 1 = 157 \][/tex]

where [tex]\( n \)[/tex] is the first of the two consecutive numbers.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Set up the equation:
The sum of two consecutive numbers can be expressed by the equation [tex]\( 2n + 1 = 157 \)[/tex].

2. Isolate the term with [tex]\( n \)[/tex]:
- First, subtract 1 from both sides of the equation to isolate the term involving [tex]\( n \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
2n = 157 - 1
\][/tex]
- This simplifies to:
[tex]\[
2n = 156
\][/tex]

3. Solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]:
- Divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
n = \frac{156}{2}
\][/tex]
- This gives:
[tex]\[
n = 78
\][/tex]

Therefore, the first number is 78. The correct answer is B. 78.