Question

Three consecutive integers are n, n+1, and n+2.

Answer 1

We convert the sentences to mathematical expressions as follows


"Four times the sum of the least and greatest integers" : 4[n+(n+2)]

"is 12 less than three times the least integer": = 3n-12



So we have:

4[n+(n+2)]=3n-12   (this is the equation)

4[2n+2]=3n-12
8n+8=3n-12

8n-3n=-12-8
5n=-20

n=-20/5=-4


Answer: the equation is 4[n+(n+2)]=3n-12 , the least integer is -4