The sum of three consecutive numbers is 72. What is the smallest of these numbers?

You have to know the formula of the consecutive numbers which is x, x+1, x+2, x+3=75 in this case

you will add the numbers 1+2+3 "6"

add the variablese x+x+x "3x"

subtract 6 from 72

divide by 3x

the number you get is hopefully your answer

answer is 12