Answer :
Let's solve the problem step-by-step!
We know that we have two consecutive numbers whose sum is 157. Let's represent the first number as [tex]\( n \)[/tex]. Since the numbers are consecutive, the second number will be [tex]\( n + 1 \)[/tex].
The problem tells us that their sum is 157, so we can write the equation:
[tex]\[ n + (n + 1) = 157 \][/tex]
Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[ 2n + 1 = 157 \][/tex]
Now, we need to solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]. We'll start by isolating [tex]\( n \)[/tex] on one side of the equation.
1. Subtract 1 from both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[ 2n = 157 - 1 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ 2n = 156 \][/tex]
2. Divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ n = \frac{156}{2} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ n = 78 \][/tex]
Therefore, the first number is 78.
So, the correct answer is:
B. 78
We know that we have two consecutive numbers whose sum is 157. Let's represent the first number as [tex]\( n \)[/tex]. Since the numbers are consecutive, the second number will be [tex]\( n + 1 \)[/tex].
The problem tells us that their sum is 157, so we can write the equation:
[tex]\[ n + (n + 1) = 157 \][/tex]
Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[ 2n + 1 = 157 \][/tex]
Now, we need to solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]. We'll start by isolating [tex]\( n \)[/tex] on one side of the equation.
1. Subtract 1 from both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[ 2n = 157 - 1 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ 2n = 156 \][/tex]
2. Divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ n = \frac{156}{2} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ n = 78 \][/tex]
Therefore, the first number is 78.
So, the correct answer is:
B. 78