Explanation:

- Let's start by defining the four consecutive even numbers as: $x$, $x+2$, $x+4$, $x+6$.

- The average of these numbers is calculated as:

$$

\text{Average} = \frac{x + (x+2) + (x+4) + (x+6)}{4} = \frac{4x + 12}{4}

$$

- Simplifying gives:

$$

x + 3 = 27

$$

- Solving for $x$:

$$

x = 24

$$

- So the smallest number is 24.

- Option 1: 20 - Incorrect; doesn't match the calculation.

- Option 2: 26 - Incorrect; 24 is calculated.

- Option 3: 24 - Correct; $✓$

- Option 4: 22 - Incorrect; doesn't match the calculation.

Your answer is 24, which aligns with our calculations.