Question

Find three consecutive integers for which 3 times the sum of the first and the third is -342

Answer 1

Answer:

The integers are -58, -57, -56.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between two consecutive integers is 1.

If you let the smallest of the three consecutive integers equal x, then the next greater one is x + 1, and the greatest of the three is x + 2.

Integers: x, x + 1, x + 2

The sum of the first and third is: x + x + 2

3 times the sum of the first and third is: 3(x + x + 2)

That product equals -342.

3(x + x + 2) = -342

3(2x + 2) = -342

Divide both sides by 3.

2x + 2 = -114

Subtract 2 from both sides.

2x = -116

Divide both sides by 2.

x = -58

x + 1 = -57

x + 2 = -56

The integers are -58, -57, -56.