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The sum of three consecutive integers is -78. determine the smallest integer.

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lets x is the 1st consecutive even integers
x +2 :the 2nd consecutive even integers
x +4: the 3rd consecutive even integers

So sum of all 3 equals -78 then
x + (x+2) + (x+4) = -78
x + x + 2 + x + 4 = -78
Simplify
3x + 6 = -78
Subtract (-6) to both sides
3x +6 -6 = -78 - 6
Simplify
3x = -84
Divided both sides by 3
3x/3 = -84/3

x = -28
x + 2 = -28 + 2 = -26
x +4 = - 28 + 4 = -24

Double check: -28 + -26 + -24 = -78

So the three consecutive even integers are: -24, -26, -28

The smallest integer would be -28
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