Question

The first number of three consecutive even integers equals the sum of the second and third. Find the three numbers.

If x represents the smallest integer, then which of the following equations could be used to solve the problem?
x = 2x + 6
x = 2x + 3
2x + 2 = x + 4

Answer 1

To get from one even number to the next even number you have to add 2.
Ex. 4, 6, 8. If I start with 4, I have to add 2 to 4 to get to 6, and add 4 to 4 to get to 8. Since we don't know the starting point in this word problem we start with'x' and add 2 and add 4.

x = (x + 2) + (x + 4)
x = 2x + 6
The first equation

Answer 2

Explanation:

Given that the smallest number of three consecutive even integers is equal to x.

The next two even integers would be x+2 and x+4

Sum =
`x+2+x+4 =2x+6`

This equals first number x

Since these two are equa,

`x=2x+6`

Hence I option is right.