Question

the sum of three numbers is -4 the second number decreased by the third is equal to the first , the sum of the first and second number is -5, find the numbers

Answer 1

Here is an easy start. Let the numbers be x, y, and z
Given that x+y=-5 substitute that in the first statement that x + y + z = -4
substituting for x + y
-5 + z = -4
z = 1 Now continue on by substituting 1 for z.

Answer 2

From this take the statement, "the second number decreased by the third is equal to the first" or y -1 = x, using algebra we can now state: y=x + 1
Substituting the values we now have in the first "given":
x + (x + 1) + 1 = -4
2x + 2 = -4
2x = -6
x = -3

Now go 'figger' y as you now know the values of x and z.