High School

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

Answer :

To solve the problem of finding the first number when the sum of two consecutive numbers is 157, let's follow these steps:

1. Understand the Problem: We have two consecutive numbers, and their sum is 157. Consecutive numbers can be represented as [tex]\( n \)[/tex] and [tex]\( n + 1 \)[/tex], where [tex]\( n \)[/tex] is the first number.

2. Set Up the Equation: The problem statement gives us the equation:
[tex]\[
2n + 1 = 157
\][/tex]
This equation signifies that the sum of [tex]\( n \)[/tex] and [tex]\( n + 1 \)[/tex] equals 157.

3. Solve the Equation:
[tex]\[
2n + 1 = 157
\][/tex]
To solve for [tex]\( n \)[/tex], we first subtract 1 from both sides:
[tex]\[
2n = 156
\][/tex]
Next, divide both sides by 2:
[tex]\[
n = 78
\][/tex]

4. Conclusion: The first number, [tex]\( n \)[/tex], is 78.

Therefore, the correct answer is B. 78.