Question

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

Answer 1

This question is not complete. We need more info to figure this problem out

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

If we let x as the largest number, what would be the next numbers?

Answer 4

I would use : x, x +1, and x + 2 as my consecutive intergers

Answer 5

set your equation up like this...
(x) + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = -78
combine like terms and what do you get ?

Answer 6

or, like yttrium said, you can use x, x - 1, and x - 2 as your integers. If you did that, your equation would be :
(x) + (x - 1) + (x - 2) = -78

Answer 7

Let me know what you get when you combine like terms

Answer 8

-27

Answer 9

x + x + 1 + x + 2 = -78
3x + 3 = -78 (subtract 3 from both sides)
3x = -78 - 3
3x = - 81
x = - 27

x + 1 = -27 + 1 = -26
x + 2 = -27 + 2 = -25

check...
-27 + (-26) + (-25) = -78
-27 - 26 - 25 = -78
-78 = -78 (correct)

you are correct....the smallest integer is -27

Answer 10

thanks for your help!

Answer 11

anytime :)