Answer :
We are given that the sum of two consecutive numbers is represented by the equation
[tex]$$2n + 1 = 157,$$[/tex]
where [tex]$n$[/tex] is the first number.
Step 1: Subtract 1 from both sides to isolate the term involving [tex]$n$[/tex]:
[tex]$$2n = 157 - 1 = 156.$$[/tex]
Step 2: Divide both sides of the equation by 2 to solve for [tex]$n$[/tex]:
[tex]$$n = \frac{156}{2} = 78.$$[/tex]
Therefore, the first number is [tex]$\boxed{78}$[/tex], which corresponds to option B.
[tex]$$2n + 1 = 157,$$[/tex]
where [tex]$n$[/tex] is the first number.
Step 1: Subtract 1 from both sides to isolate the term involving [tex]$n$[/tex]:
[tex]$$2n = 157 - 1 = 156.$$[/tex]
Step 2: Divide both sides of the equation by 2 to solve for [tex]$n$[/tex]:
[tex]$$n = \frac{156}{2} = 78.$$[/tex]
Therefore, the first number is [tex]$\boxed{78}$[/tex], which corresponds to option B.
