Mathematical Reasoning
The sum of three consecutive whole numbers is 72. What is the product of the smallest and the largest of thes…
Question 1 · Multiple choice
Question
The sum of three consecutive whole numbers is 72. What is the product of the smallest and the largest of these three numbers?
Options
- A. 528
- B. 575
- C. 576
- D. 600
- E. 624
Correct answer
B. 575
Explanation
Let the numbers be n-1, n, and n+1. Their sum is 3n = 72, so n = 24. The numbers are 23, 24, and 25. The product of the smallest and largest is 23 × 25 = 575.