The sum of two consecutive whole number is 53. the smaller number is

Options

A. `25`
B. `26`
C. `29`
D. `23`

Answer

To solve the problem of finding the smaller of two consecutive whole numbers whose sum is 53, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Define the Variables**:
Let the smaller consecutive whole number be represented as \( x \).

2. **Identify the Consecutive Number**:
The next consecutive whole number will then be \( x + 1 \).

3. **Set Up the Equation**:
According to the problem, the sum of these two numbers is 53. Therefore, we can write the equation:
\[ x + (x + 1) = 53 \]

4. **Simplify the Equation**:
Combine like terms:
\[ 2x + 1 = 53 \]

5. **Isolate the Variable**:
To solve for \( x \), first subtract 1 from both sides:
\[ 2x = 53 - 1 \]
\[ 2x = 52 \]

6. **Solve for \( x \)**:
Now, divide both sides by 2:
\[ x = \frac{52}{2} \]
\[ x = 26 \]

7. **Identify the Smaller Number**:
The smaller number is \( x \), which we found to be 26.

### Conclusion:
The smaller of the two consecutive whole numbers is **26**.