The sum of 3 consecutive even numbers is 270. What is the first number in this sequence?

To find the first number in a sequence of three consecutive even numbers that sums up to 270, we can start by expressing the numbers mathematically.

Let’s denote the first even number as x. Since we are looking for consecutive even numbers, the next two numbers can be represented as x + 2 and x + 4.

Now, we can set up the equation for their sum:

x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 270

This simplifies to:

3x + 6 = 270

Next, we subtract 6 from both sides:

3x = 264

Now, dividing by 3 gives us:

x = 88

So, the first number in this sequence is 88. To verify, we can list the consecutive even numbers: 88, 90, and 92. Adding them together:

88 + 90 + 92 = 270

Thus, our calculation is confirmed. The answer is indeed 88.