Answer :
To solve the problem of finding the first number, we start with the equation given in the question:
1. The sum of two consecutive numbers is 157.
2. We represent the first number as [tex]\( n \)[/tex], and the second consecutive number would be [tex]\( n + 1 \)[/tex].
3. Therefore, the equation describing the situation is:
[tex]\[
n + (n + 1) = 157
\][/tex]
4. Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[
2n + 1 = 157
\][/tex]
5. Next, we need to solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]. First, we subtract 1 from both sides of the equation to get rid of the constant on the left side:
[tex]\[
2n = 157 - 1
\][/tex]
6. Simplify the right side:
[tex]\[
2n = 156
\][/tex]
7. Finally, divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
n = \frac{156}{2} = 78
\][/tex]
Therefore, the first number is 78. The correct answer is B. 78.
1. The sum of two consecutive numbers is 157.
2. We represent the first number as [tex]\( n \)[/tex], and the second consecutive number would be [tex]\( n + 1 \)[/tex].
3. Therefore, the equation describing the situation is:
[tex]\[
n + (n + 1) = 157
\][/tex]
4. Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[
2n + 1 = 157
\][/tex]
5. Next, we need to solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]. First, we subtract 1 from both sides of the equation to get rid of the constant on the left side:
[tex]\[
2n = 157 - 1
\][/tex]
6. Simplify the right side:
[tex]\[
2n = 156
\][/tex]
7. Finally, divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
n = \frac{156}{2} = 78
\][/tex]
Therefore, the first number is 78. The correct answer is B. 78.
