We need to first make equations to represent each number.
There is a middle number of the three, so let’s call it x. Now there is a number greater and a number that is less.
The greater number = x+2
Least = x-2
Now, we use these equations to represent the numbers.
We need to set up an equation to find x.
Six times the sum of the integers is -18.
This equation would look like:
6(x-2+x+x+2)=-18
Let’s distribute.
6x-12+6x+6x+12=-18
Add like terms.
18x=-18
Divide.
-18/18=-1
So, -1 is the middle number.
Greater number= -1+2=1
Least=-1-2=-3
Let’s check to see if the numbers are -3, -1, and 1. We need to put them through the equation.
-3+-1=-4+1=-3•6=-18
So, the numbers are -3, -1, and 1.