Question

Find three consecutive even integers such that their sum is 12 less than twice the smallest.

Answer 1

3 consecutive even integers.....x and x + 2, and x + 4
they equal 12 less then twice the smallest......2x - 12


x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 2x - 12 --- combine like terms
3x + 6 = 2x - 12 --- subtract 2x from both sides
3x - 2x + 6 = -12 --- subtract 6 from both sides
3x - 2x = -12 - 6 --- combine like terms
x = -18

x + 2 = - 18 + 2 = -16
x + 4 = -18 + 4 = - 14

check...their sum is 12 less then twice the smallest
-18 + (-16) + (-14) = -18 - 16 - 14 = - 48 (the sum of all three)
- 48 = 2(-18) - 12
- 48 = -36 - 12
- 48 = - 48 (correct)

your numbers are : -18, -16, -14