16Hit1600
AlgebraHardConsecutive integers under a limit

Algebra practice question

The sum of three consecutive integers is at most 48. What is the greatest possible value of the largest of the three integers?

Answer: 17

Let the integers be n, n + 1, n + 2: 3n + 3 ≤ 48, so 3n ≤ 45 and n ≤ 15. The largest is n + 2, at most 17. Check: 15 + 16 + 17 = 48.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 15
15 is the SMALLEST of the three integers, not the largest.
If you answered 16
16 is the middle integer (48/3), or the largest if n were 14.
If you answered 18
18 would give 16 + 17 + 18 = 51, more than 48.

More Algebra questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.