How do you find three consecutive even integers such that the sum of the first, third, and twice the second is -16?

1 Answer
Jun 16, 2015

The three consecutive numbers are -6, -4, -2

Explanation:

Let the three consecutive integers be:
color(white)("XXXX")XXXX(x-2), (x), and (x+2)(x2),(x),and(x+2)

We are told:
color(white)("XXXX")XXXX(x-2)+(x+2)+2(x) = -16(x2)+(x+2)+2(x)=16

rArrcolor(white)("XXXX")XXXX4x = -164x=16

rArrcolor(white)("XXXX")XXXXx = -4x=4