Question

Three consecutive integers have a sum of 255 find the integers

Answer 1

Explanation:

Givens

Let the smallest integer = x - 1 (You'll see why in a moment).

Let the middle integer = x

Let the largest ingeger = x + 1

Equation

x - 1 + x + x + 1 = 255

Solution

Combine like terms on the left.

3x - 1 + 1 = 255

3x = 255 Divide by 3

3x/3 = 255/3

x = 85

So the smallest number is 84

The middle number is 85

The largest number is 86

Total 255

Do you see why I made the smallest number x - 1?

It is because the -1 and the plus 1 cancel out.

Please realize the question says consecutive integers. It does not say consecutive odd or consecutive even integers.