Question

The sum of three consecutive even integers is 72. Let x represent the first integer, x + 2 represent the second integer, and x + 4 represent the third integer.

Which equation can be used to find the first integer?

a. 3x + 72 = 2x + 6

b. 2x + 64 = 72

c. 3x = 2x + 6

d. 3x + 6 = 72

Answer 1

(d)

Explanation:

The three consecutive integers sum to 72

the three integers are x, x + 2 , x + 4 , then

x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 72 ← collect like terms on left side

3x + 6 = 72 ← equation to find the first integer x

subtract 6 from both sides

3x = 66 ( divide both sides by 3 )

x = 22

x + 2 = 22 + 2 = 24

x + 4 = 22 + 4 = 26

the three consecutive even integers are 22 , 24 , 26