The average of seven consecutive odd numbers is 43. What is the smallest of them?

Explanation

1. 01

   With seven numbers the average is the 4th (middle) one: 43.

2. 02

   The smallest is three odd steps below: $43 - 3 \times 2 = 37$.

3. 03

   Check: 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49 average to 43.