Answer:
-27
Step-by-step explanation:
First, let's call the smallest number: n
Then, the next two consecutive odd numbers would be:
n+2 and n+4 (this is because it's only odd numbers so we add 2)
We know the sum of these is −75 so we can write this equation and solve for n:
n + (n + 2) + (n + 4) = -75
n + n + 2 + n + 4 = -75
n + n + n + 2 + 4 = -75
n + n + n + 6 = -75
1n + 1n + 1n + 6 = -75
3n + 6 = -75 Subtract 6 from each side, which cancels the 6 on the left.
3n + 6 - 6 = -75 - 6
3n = -75 - 6
3n = -81 Divide each side by 3
3n/3 = -81/3
n = -81/3
n = -27
n + 2 = -27 + 2 = -25
n + 4 = -27 + 4 = -23
The 3 consecutive odd integers would be:
-27, -25, -23
Let's check our work:
-27 + -25 + -23 = -75 We are correct!
The smallest number is -27
