Question

find three consecutive numbers whose sum s -72

Answer 1

STEP 1: Define x:

Let the smallest number be x

The other two numbers are (x + 1) and (x + 2)

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STEP 2: Form equation:

The sum is -72

x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = -72

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STEP 3: Solve x:

x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = -72

x + x + 1 + x + 2 = -72

3x + 3 = -72

3x = -75

x = -25

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STEP 4: Find the numbers:

Smallest number = x = -25

2nd number = x + 1 = -25 + 1 = -24

3rd number = x + 2 = -25 + 2 = -23

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Answer: The 3 numbers are -25, -24 and -23

Answer 2

Hey there !

Solution:

Let the three consecutive numbers be denoted as:

( x - 1 ), ( x ), ( x + 1 )

So given that their sum is ( -72 )

Hence on adding the terms we get,

=> x + x - 1 + x + 1 = -72

=> 3x = -72

=> x = -72 / 3

=> x = -24

Hence the other numbers are ( x - 1 ) = -24 -1 = -25 , ( x + 1 ) = - 24 + 1 = - 23.

Hence the numbers are -23, -24, -25.

Hope my answer helped !