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.
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.