Answer :
We are given the equation for two consecutive numbers whose sum is 157:
[tex]$$2n+1 = 157.$$[/tex]
Step 1: Isolate the term with the variable [tex]$n$[/tex].
Subtract [tex]$1$[/tex] from both sides of the equation:
[tex]$$2n = 157 - 1 = 156.$$[/tex]
Step 2: Solve for [tex]$n$[/tex].
Divide both sides of the equation by [tex]$2$[/tex]:
[tex]$$n = \frac{156}{2} = 78.$$[/tex]
Thus, the first number is [tex]$\boxed{78}$[/tex].
[tex]$$2n+1 = 157.$$[/tex]
Step 1: Isolate the term with the variable [tex]$n$[/tex].
Subtract [tex]$1$[/tex] from both sides of the equation:
[tex]$$2n = 157 - 1 = 156.$$[/tex]
Step 2: Solve for [tex]$n$[/tex].
Divide both sides of the equation by [tex]$2$[/tex]:
[tex]$$n = \frac{156}{2} = 78.$$[/tex]
Thus, the first number is [tex]$\boxed{78}$[/tex].
