The sum of three consecutive even numbers one hundred fifty six. what are the numbers?

Most people let the three numbers be x, x+2, and x+4,

then add them up, set the sum equal to 156, solve the

equation for 'x', then calculate x+2 and x+4.

But I do it like this:

Three numbers have the sum of 156.

If all three were the same number, it would be 156/3 = 52.

Great!

Put 52 on the table three times. Their sum is 156.

Take 2 away from one of them. It becomes 50.

Give the 2 to a different one. That one becomes 52.

All you did was move a 2 around.

But now you have 50, 52, and 54 on the table. Their sum is still 156.