Question

Work the problem using the three-step method. Show your work.

The sum of three consecutive integers is 18. Find the integers.
WRITER

Answer 1

5,6 and 7.

Explanation:

I am not sure what the three step method is, but here is how I solved it.

Consecutive integers means integers in a row. For example, 5,6 7 are consecutive integers or -4,-3,-2 are consecutive integers.

Integers are all the whole numbers (0,1,2,3...) and their opposites (..., -3, -2, -1) 1/2 or -.23 are not integers.

Let x = the first number

Let x + 1 = the second number

Let x + 2 = the third number

x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 18 I do not need the parentheses, but I want you to see that the first number, plus the second number, plus the third number equals 18.

x + x + 1 + x + 2 = 18 Combine like terms

3x + 3 = 18 Subtract 3 from both sides of the equation

3x + 3 - 3 = 18 - 3

3x = 15 Divide both sides by 3

`(3x)/(3)` =
`(15)/(3)`

x = 5

The first number is 5. The second number is 6 and the last number is 7.

Check:

5 + 6 + 7 = 18

18 =18 Checks.

Helping in the name of Jesus.