Question

Find three consecutive integers such that the sum of the largest and 5 times the smallest is -244. Find the smallest integer.

Answer 1

Let the largest integer equal x, the 3rd number ( smallest-number) would be x - 2

The sum of the two would be:

X + 5(x-2) = -244

Simplify:

X + 5x -10

Combine like terms

6x -10 = -244

Add 10 to both sides:

6x = -234

Divide both sides by 6

X = -234/6

X = -39

The smallest number is x-2 = -39-2 = -41

The answer is -41