Question

One-third of the sum of three consecutive odd integers is −1. Find the smallest integer.

Answer 1

i'm getting -7/3

Answer 2

x = 1st odd integer
x + 2 = 2nd odd integer
x + 4 = 3rd odd integer

1/3(x + x + 2 + x + 4) = -1
1/3(3x + 6) = -1 (divide both sides by 1/3)
3x + 6 = -1/(1/3)
3x + 6 = -1 * 3/1
3x + 6 = -3
3x = -3 - 6
3x = -9
x = -3

check...
1/3(3x + 6) = -1
1/3(3(-3) + 6) = -1
1/3(-9 + 6) = -1
1/3(- 3) = -1
-1 = -1 (correct)

lowest number (x) = -3