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
D. 80

Answer :

To solve this problem, we start with the equation that represents the situation: [tex]\(2n + 1 = 157\)[/tex]. This equation comes from the description that the sum of two consecutive numbers is 157, where [tex]\(n\)[/tex] is the first number and [tex]\(n+1\)[/tex] is the second number.

Let's solve the equation step by step to find the first number [tex]\(n\)[/tex]:

1. Simplify the equation: Start by isolating the term with [tex]\(n\)[/tex]. Subtract 1 from both sides:
[tex]\[
2n + 1 - 1 = 157 - 1
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
2n = 156
\][/tex]

2. Solve for [tex]\(n\)[/tex]: Now, divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]\(n\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
2n \div 2 = 156 \div 2
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
n = 78
\][/tex]

Therefore, the first number is 78.

The correct answer is:
B. 78