Question

The sum of three consecutive integers is -78. Determine the smallest integer.

Answer 1

let the integers be x-1 , x , x+1

sum = \[x-1+x+x+1 = -78\]
\[3x=-78\]
\[x=-78/3\]
\[x=-26\]

smallest ineger : x-1 = -26-1 = -27

Answer 2

3x+3=-78,x+1=-26,x=-27

Answer 3

let the smallest integer be 'x'.
Then
three integers are x, x+1, and x+2

now their sum = x + (x+1) + (x+2) = -78

Or, 3x + 3 = -78
or, x = -27 = smallest integer.

Answer 4

Remember in these cases : u must take the consecutive integers as; x-1 , x , x + 1
as the calculation becomes easy ( -1 and1 gets cut down )