Let's represent the three consecutive odd numbers as x, x + 2, and x + 4 (since consecutive odd numbers have a difference of 2).
According to the given condition, twice the smallest number equals the largest number minus 5:
2x = (x + 4) - 5
Let's solve this equation:
2x = x + 4 - 5
2x = x - 1
x = -1
So, the smallest odd number is -1.
The consecutive odd numbers are: -1, 1, 3.
Let's verify if these numbers satisfy the given condition:
Twice the smallest number: 2(-1) = -2
The largest number minus 5: 3 - 5 = -2
Since both sides are equal, the consecutive odd numbers that satisfy the condition are -1, 1, and 3.
