First = x
second = y
third = z

Rewrite the problem using those:

>>The sum of x,y, and z is 47. 
y is half of x while z is 1 less than y. 
Find the three numbers?<<

Look at the first part:

>>The sum of x,y, and z is 47.<< 

That says x + y + z = 47

Look at the second part:

>>y is half of x<<

That says y = x

Look at the third part

>>while z is 1 less than y.<<

That says z = y - 1

So you have this system of equations:



Solve that system.  You'll know if you have the right
answer because y will be half of x, and z will be one
less that y, amd when you add them all you'll get 47.

Edwin