the sum of 3 consecutive even numbers is 246 . what are the numbers ?  Choices:
A) 80 , 8284
B) 65 , 6871
C) 45 , 4742
D) 100 , 10249
E) 87 , 8889

Rationale: first x make the first x second x + 2 even numbers , sowe add 2 to get the next third x + 4 add 2 more ( 4 total ) to get the third f + s + t = 246 summeansaddfirst ( f ) plussecond ( s ) plusthird ( t ) ( x ) + ( x + 2 ) + ( x + 4 ) = 246 replace each f , s , and t withwhatwe labeled them x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 246 here the parenthesis are not needed 3 x + 6 = 246 combine like terms x + x + x and 2 + 4 − 6 − 6 subtract 6 fromboth sides 3 x = 240 the variable ismultiplied by 3 3 3 divide both sides by 3 x = 80 our solution for x first 80 replace x in the origional listwith 80 . second ( 80 ) + 2 = 82 the numbers are 80 , 82 , and 84 . third ( 80 ) + 4 = 84 correct answer a
Answer: A