Question

The sum of three consecutive even integers is -96. What are the integers?

a) -32, -30, -28
b) -34, -32, -30
c) -30, -32, -34
d) -28, -30, -32

Answer 1

The three consecutive even integers that sum up to -96 are -34, -32, and -30. We found this by setting up an equation and solving for the smallest integer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sum of three consecutive even integers is -96. To find these integers, let's call the smallest integer n. Then the next consecutive even integers would be n+2 and n+4. If we add these up, the equation is:
n + (n + 2) + (n + 4) = -96
Simplifying this equation we get:
3n + 6 = -96
Subtracting 6 from both sides gives us:
3n = -102
Dividing both sides by 3 we find:
n = -34
Therefore, the three consecutive even integers are -34, -32, and -30 (n, n+2, n+4). So option b) is the correct answer.