SOLUTION: There are three consecutive integers such that the sum of the first and third is 72. Find the middle integer.

Algebra ->  Problems-with-consecutive-odd-even-integers -> SOLUTION: There are three consecutive integers such that the sum of the first and third is 72. Find the middle integer.      Log On


   



Question 1131468: There are three consecutive integers such that the sum of the first and third is 72. Find the middle integer.
Found 2 solutions by greenestamps, addingup:
Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


In a set of three consecutive integers, the middle number is the average of the first and last.

Since the sum of the first and last is 72, the middle number is 72/2 = 36. (And the other two numbers are 35 and 37.)

If you need to use formal algebra, the work is a little easier if you let the middle number be the variable x:

x = middle number
x-1 = first number
x+1 = third number

Then the given information says
%28x-1%29%2B%28x%2B1%29+=+72
2x+=+72
x+=+36

The middle number is x = 36.

Answer by addingup(3677) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x,x+1,x+2
x + x + 2 = 72
2x = 70
x = 35
The three numbers are 35, 36, 37 and the first plus the third equal 72:
35+37 = 72 Correct