How do you write this equation?

The sum of three numbers is eighty-six. The first of the three numbers is four less than two times the second. The third number is six more than the first. Find the numbers.

The correct 3 numbers are x=31.2; y=17.6; z=37.2
How do you get these?

Question

How do you write this equation?

The sum of three numbers is eighty-six. The first of the three numbers is four less than two times the second. The third number is six more than the first. Find the numbers. 

The correct 3 numbers are x=31.2; y=17.6; z=37.2
How do you get these?

flvs.net · Answer

What do you think?

anonymous · Answer

Well I thought, x+y+z=86, then I would uses y as my reference point. 
2y-2+y+6(2y-2)=86
BUT this is so wrong. Please help!

welshfella · Answer

let x be the second number  then
first number = 2x - 4
third number =  2x - 4 + 6 = 2x + 2

the sum is 86 therefore we have

x + 2x -4 + 2x + 2 = 86

solve for x