Question

Three consecutive odd integers are such that the sum of the first and second is equal to 31 less than 3 times the third. Find the integers.

Answer 1

The first number is equal to 21.

The second number is equal to 23.

The third number is equal to 25.

x + x + 2 = 3(x + 4) - 31

Combine like terms

2x + 2 = 3(x + 4) - 31

Distributive property.

2x + 2 = 3x + 12 - 31

Combine like terms.

2x + 2 = 3x - 19

Subtract 2x from both sides.

2 = x - 19

Add 19 to both sides.

21 = x

The value of the first number is 21.