The sum of three consecutive even integers is 48 Find the th

The sum of three consecutive even integers is -48. Find the three integers.

Solution

Let the three consecutive even numbers be x, x+2 and x+4. Given that, the sum of integers is -48. So,

x + x+2 + x+4 = -48

3x + 6 = -48                                        Combine the like terms.

3x + 6 - 6 = -48 - 6                              Subtract 6 from each sides.

3x = -54                                               Simplify.

3x/3 = -54/3                                         Divide both sides by 3.

x = -18.                                                Simplify.

So, x+2 = -18 + 2 =-16 and x+4= -18+4 = -14

Hence the three even integers are -18, -16 and -14.