This problem can be modeled by the following equation:
[tex]x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 42[/tex]
x represents the smallest number. The terms in parentheses represent consecutive numbers.
Combine the like terms on the left side:
[tex]x + x + x = 3x[/tex]
[tex]1 + 2 = 3[/tex]
[tex]3x + 3 = 42[/tex]
Subtract 3 from each side:
[tex]3x = 39[/tex]
Divide both sides by 3:
[tex]\boxed{x = 13}[/tex]
The value of the smallest number will be 13.
