Since the numbers are consecutive, they must be near each other in size, and therefore near one-third of 168. And since the lower number is -2 off the middle, and the upper number is +2 from the middle, the middle number must be exactly one-third of 168—otherwise the sum of the three could never be 168. Labelling the three consecutive numbers as x, y, and z:
x + y + z = 168
(y-2) + y + (y+2) = 168.
3y = 168
y = 56
therefore the smallest number (x) = 54.
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