The sum of two consecutive even integers is 66. What is the value of three times the smaller number?

Answer: 96

Step-by-step explanation:

This problem can be written as x + y = 66.

Since the unknown integers are consecutive, y must equal x + 2 or x - 2. Let's rewrite the problem with this information.

66 = x + (x - 2) = 2x - 2

Solve for x.

x = 34

This means that the other integer is 34 - 2

Subtract.

34 - 2 = 32

The two integers are 32 and 34. We need to find the value of three times 32.

32 x 3 = 96