since the problem specifies that they’re all odd, when you write the first number as a variable (for example, x), than the consecutive numbers are always 2 numbers apart. you get three numbers repersented by x(the smallest), x+2 (the second) and x+4 (the greatest). twice the smallest integer is 2x. the sum of all three is 5 less than 2x. therefore, 2x – 5 = x +(x +2) + (x +4). expand the equations by removing the parentheses, which are unnecessary since you’re only using addition. then transpose all the numbers with variables (x’s) to one side and those without to the other. don’t forget to change the sign when you move a number to the opposite side of the equation. you should get x= -11. just replace all the x’s in all the equations you’re dealing with -11 to check if it’s the right answer.

x

x+2

x+4 You put these 3 variable expressions down because it is the difference btwn odd numbers. For exaple lets say x is 5. The next odd number is 7. 7-5=2 there fore x+2 cause the difference is two. The number for x is still 5. The next odd number after 7 is 9. 9-5=4 there fore x + 4. You always use the five or the x number b ecause it is your first number in the equation.

So next step:

Let the smallest integer be x. So

2x-5

Then 2x-5=x+4 Letting x+4 be the largest. I also put them equal to each other because the equation uses the word is, which means equal to “Three consecutive odd integers is…”

Next step combine like terms.

3x-5=4

+5 +5

3x=9

3x/3=9/3

x=3

Now solve using 2x-5, x+2, x+4 and pluggin in 3 for x.

2(3)-5= 1

x+2 or 1+2 = 3

x+4 or 1+4=5

The odd consecutive numbers are 1,3,5.

The Sum of A, (A+2), (A+4)

“is” is where you put the equals sign

The Sum of A, (A+2), (A+4) =

the smallest integer is A, so

The Sum of A, (A+2), (A+4) = 2A

and don’t forget to subtract the 5

The Sum of A, (A+2), (A+4) = 2A – 5

On the left side you have a total of 3 A’s plus 6

3A + 6 = 2A – 5

Subtract 6 from each side to get only variables on the left

3A = 2A -11

Now subtract 2A from each side to get variables only on the left

A = -11

Go back to the top of the equation and if

A = -11, then A+2 = -9 and A+4 = -7