SOLUTION: the sum of three consecutive integers is -15. what is the smallest integer

Question 573808: the sum of three consecutive integers is -15. what is the smallest integer
Answer by mathsmiles(68) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let's let X be the first (smallest) of these integers. Then the next consecutive integer is (X+1), the next is (X+2).

We are told the sum of these 3 is -15 so
(X) + (X+1) + (X+2) = -15 Start solving!:
X + X + 1 + X + 2 = -15 combining like terms:
3X + 3 = -15 subtract 3 from each side
3X = -18 divide by 3 on each side
X = -6

The 3 numbers are -6, -5, -4.

Checking:
-6 + -5 + -4 = -15?
-15 = -15 Correct!

RELATED QUESTIONS
The sum of three consecutive integers is 369. What is the smallest... (answered by askmemath)

The sum of three consecutive integers is -96. What is the smallest... (answered by josh_jordan,Alan3354)

What is the sum of three consecutive odd integers if the smallest integer is q? (answered by checkley79)

The sum of three consecutive integers is 528. The smallest integer among the three... (answered by algebrahouse.com)

The sum of three consecutive integers is 15 more than twice the smallest integer. Find... (answered by dkppathak,DN)

The Sum of three consecutive integers is 234. The smallest integer among the three... (answered by Alan3354)

The sum of the two smallest of the five consecutive even integers is 50 less than the sum (answered by stanbon)

The sum of the two smallest of five consecutive odd integers is 21 less than the sum of... (answered by addingup,advanced_Learner)

The sum of three consecutive ODD integers is 27. What is the PRODUCT of the largest and... (answered by Theo)