We need to first make equations to represent each number. There is a middle number of the three, so let’s call it x. Now there is a number greater and a number that is less. The greater number = x+2 Least = x-2 Now, we use these equations to represent the numbers.
We need to set up an equation to find x. Six times the sum of the integers is -18. This equation would look like: 6(x-2+x+x+2)=-18 Let’s distribute. 6x-12+6x+6x+12=-18 Add like terms. 18x=-18 Divide. -18/18=-1 So, -1 is the middle number. Greater number= -1+2=1 Least=-1-2=-3 Let’s check to see if the numbers are -3, -1, and 1. We need to put them through the equation. -3+-1=-4+1=-3•6=-18
