Question

Find three consecutive EVEN integers such that the sum of the smallest number and twice the middle number is 20 more than the largest number. I'm so confused.

Answer 1

define the 3 numbers

smallest number = x

middle number = x + 2

largest number = x + 4

write the equation

sum of the smallest number and twice the middle number

$\begin{gathered} x+2(x+2) \\ x+2x+4 \\ 3x+4 \end{gathered}$

20 more than the largest number

$\begin{gathered} x+4+20 \\ x+24 \end{gathered}$

equal the expressions

$\begin{gathered} 3x+4=x+24 \\ 3x-x=24-4 \\ 2x=20 \\ x=\frac{20}{2} \\ x=10 \end{gathered}$

the numbers should be 10, 12 and 14

$\begin{gathered} 10+2\cdot(12)=14+20 \\ 10+24=34 \\ 34=34 \end{gathered}$