College

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 the problem, we need to find the first number of two consecutive numbers whose sum is 157.

The equation given is [tex]\(2n + 1 = 157\)[/tex], where [tex]\(n\)[/tex] represents the first number.

Here's how to solve it step-by-step:

1. Set up the equation:
We have [tex]\(2n + 1 = 157\)[/tex].

2. Subtract 1 from both sides of the equation to isolate terms involving [tex]\(n\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ 2n + 1 - 1 = 157 - 1 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ 2n = 156 \][/tex]

3. Divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]\(n\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ n = \frac{156}{2} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ n = 78 \][/tex]

So, the first number is 78. Therefore, the correct answer is B. 78.