X + (x − 2) + (x − 4) = ? ; In which <span> x + x </span>− 2 + x − 4 ;
Combine the "like terms" ;
x + x + x = 3x ;
− 2 − 4 = −6 ;
So we have: "3x − 6" as the sum. ; ___________________________ The sum of three consecutive odd integers, in which "x" is the greatest integer; is: "3x − 6" . _____________________________________________ Note: The three consecutive odd integers, from least to greatest, are:
"(x − 4)" , "(x − 2)" , and "x" .
The sum is: "(3x − 6)<span>" . </span>_____________________________________________ Note: "(3x − 6)" factors into: " 3(x −2)" .
Note that: " (x − 2) " is the second integer. ______________________________________________ So the sum total, which is: "(3x − 6)" ; is 3 (three) times the value of the second integer; that is, "3 (x − 2)" . ______________________________________________
