SOLUTION: The sum of three consecutive integers is 47 less than the least of the integers. Find the integers.

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Question 159119: The sum of three consecutive integers is 47 less than the least of the integers. Find the integers.
Answer by midwood_trail(310) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = first integer.
Then: x + 1 = second integer and x + 2 = third integer
The least of the integers is x.
We add all three and then equate the sum to x - 47.
Where did x - 47 come from?
In the question we read: "...47 less than the least of the integers." Since the least of the integers is x, we subtract 47 from the x.
x + x + 1 + x + 2 = x - 47
3x + 3 = x - 47
3x - x = -47 - 3
2x = -50
x = -50/2
x = -25...This is the first integer.
x + 1 = -25 + 1 = -24...This is the second integer.
x + 2 = -25 + 2 = -23...This is the third integer.
Notice that they are consecutive: one comes right after the other.
Did you follow?
P.S. The number -25 the furthest away from zero on the number line. This is why is the smallest of the three integers.