The sum of two consecutive numbers is 157 . This equation, where \( n \) is the first number, represents the situation: \( 2 n+1=157 \). What is the first number? A. 77 B. 78 C. 79 D. 80

To find the first number, we start with the equation: \( 2n + 1 = 157 \). First, we subtract 1 from both sides to get \( 2n = 156 \). Dividing both sides by 2 results in \( n = 78 \). Therefore, the first number is 78, which corresponds to option B! Now you can confidently declare yourself the math champion of the day! It’s a simple yet sure way to impress friends at parties when you whip out your mental math skills.