The sum of three consecutive numbers is 543. What is the 2nd number?

Answer: 181

Explanation: First represent your 3 consecutive numbers as follows.

X ⇒ first number

X + 1 ⇒ second number

X + 2 ⇒ third number

Since their sum is 543, our equation reads x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 543.

Simplifying on the left side we have 3x + 3 = 543.

Subtracting 3 from both sides, we have 3x = 540.

Now dividing both sides by 3, we find that x = 180.

If x = 180, then x + 1 is 180 + 1 or 181 and x + 2 is 180 + 2 or 182.

This means that your second number would be 181.

181

Step-by-step explanation:

set up equation:

n + (n+1) + (n+2) = 543

3n + 3 = 543

3n = 540

n = 180

180, 181, 182