Question

find three consecutive integers for which 3 times the sum of the first and third integers is -342? show step by step

Answer 1

Answer:

-58, -57, -56

Step-by-step explanation:

if the first integer is x,

the second integer must be x + 1 (because it's consecutive)

and the third must be x + 2

Therefore:

3 times the sum of the first and third integers is -342:

3 * (x + (x+2) ) = -342

Combine like terms in parentheses

3 * (2x + 2) = -342

Distribute the 3 to the 2x and the 2:

6x + 6 = -342

Subtract 6 on both sides

6x = -348

Divide by 6 on both sides

x = -58

x + 1 = -57

x + 2 = -56

-58, -57, -56

Check:

3 * (-58 + -56) = 3 * -114 = -342