Question

The sum of three numbers is -3. If the second number is subtracted from the sum of the first and third numbers, the result is -3. If the third number is subtracted from the sum of the first and second numbers, the result is -5. Find the three numbers.

Answer 1

The three numbers are -4, 0, and 1.

The sum of three numbers is -3: -4 + 0 + 1 = -3

If the second number is subtracted from the sum of the first and third numbers, the result is -3: (-4 + 1) - 0 = -3

If the third number is subtracted from the sum of the first and second numbers, the result is -5: (-4 + 0) - 1 = -5

Explanation:

x --> first number

y --> second number

z --> third number

x + y + z = -3

(x + z) - y = -3

(x + y) - z = -5

x = -3 - y - z

(-3 - y - z + z) - y = -3

-3 - y - y = -3

-2y = 0

y = 0

(-3 - y - z + y) - z = -5

-3 - z - z = -5

-3 - 2z = -5

-2z = -2

z = 1

x = -3 - 0 - 1

x = -4