Question

Hey guys, I know the answer to this problem, but I'm having some trouble understanding it. If you could explain it to me, that would be great.

If the sum of the first two consecutive integers is equal to three times the third, what are the three integers?

Answer 1

-5, -4, -3

Explanation:

Let the three consecutive integers be:

First integer = a

Second integer = a + 1

Third integer = a + 2

The sum of the first two integers = three times the third integer

i.e

a + a + 1 = 3(a + 2)

2a + 1 = 3a + 6

2a - 3a = 6 - 1

-a = 5

a = 5 ÷ -1 = -5

So the first integer is -5, the second integer is -4 and the third integer is --3.