Question

The sum of three numbers is -48. The first number is twelve more than the second number, and the third number is 20 less than twice the second number. Find the three numbers.

Answer 1

Let second number be x.
First number = x + 12
Third number = 2x - 20

Sum of all three numbers = -48

Add up the numbers: x + (x + 12) + (2x - 20) = -48

Solve for x.

Answer 2

the x = 1?

Answer 3

No x is not 1. Show me your work and I can see where the mistake is.

Answer 4

it says solve for x.. so i do x + (x + 12) + (2x - 20) = -48?

Answer 5

Yes. Simplify the left side.

Answer 6

multiply??

Answer 7

No add. x + x + 12 + 2x - 20

Answer 8

oh its adding.

Answer 9

Yes, what do you get?

Answer 10

i was trying to multiply ok now i not lost thanks

Answer 11

i got -16
?

Answer 12

i simplify -20 + - 12

Answer 13

then i 2x = -32

Answer 14

is this correct???

Answer 15

No. But if you do it step by step here I can spot any mistakes.
Start with x + (x + 12) + (2x - 20) = -48
Simplify the left side first and show me just that step.

Answer 16

OK X = 14

Answer 17

is that correct?

Answer 18

i add up the x = 4

Answer 19

x=4

Answer 20

Sorry no.

x + (x + 12) + (2x - 20) = -48
x + x + 2x + 12 - 20 = -48
4x - 8 = -48
add 8 to both sides
4x = -40
divide both sides by 4
x = -10

The three numbers are: x+12, x and 2x - 20. Put x = -10
(-10+12), -10, 2(-10) - 20
2, -10, -40 are the three numbers.

Answer 21

OH I forgot about 4x thanks! i understand now

Answer 22

i keep adding without the 4x

Answer 23

ok, cool.