The sum of three consecutive numbers is 72. What are the smallest of these numbers?

To find the three consecutive numbers that sum up to 72, we can use algebra. Let’s denote the smallest of the three consecutive numbers as x. Then, the next two consecutive numbers can be expressed as x + 1 and x + 2.

The equation for their sum would be:

x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 72

Now, simplify the equation:

3x + 3 = 72

Next, subtract 3 from both sides:

3x = 69

Now, divide both sides by 3:

x = 23

So, the three consecutive numbers are:

• 23
• 24
• 25

Therefore, the smallest of these three consecutive numbers is 23.