The sum of four consecutive numbers is 42 what is the smallest number

Givens
Let the smallest number = x
The second number = x + 1
The third number = x + 2
The largest number = x + 3

Equation
x + x + 1 + x + 2 + x + 3 = 42    Collect the like terms on the left.

Solution
4x + 6 = 42                                Subtract 6 from both sides.
4x = 42 - 6
4x = 36                                      Divide by 4   
x  = 36/4
x = 9

The smallest number = 9

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