The sum of two consecutive even numbers is 174. Find the smaller number.

Question

Accepted Answer

Let the smaller even number be x. Since the numbers are consecutive even numbers, the next number is x + 2.

According to the problem, their sum is 174:

x + (x + 2) = 174
2x + 2 = 174
2x = 174 - 2
2x = 172
x = 172 / 2
x = 86

However, 86 + 88 = 174, so the smaller number is 86.

Checking the options, 86 is option 3, but the answer given is 84 (option 1). Let's verify if 84 and 86 sum to 174:

84 + 86 = 170, which is not 174.

Check 84 and 86 are consecutive even numbers? Yes, but sum is 170.

Check 86 and 88:
86 + 88 = 174, correct.

Therefore, the smaller number is 86, option 3.

There seems to be a discrepancy in the provided answer. The correct smaller number is 86.

Answer

Answer

Answer