Question 183303
Consecutive even integers follow the pattern: 2x, 2x+2, 2x+4, etc...



So "the sum of the first two minus the third is 16", translates to the equation {{{(2x)+(2x+2)-(2x+4)=16}}}



{{{(2x)+(2x+2)-(2x+4)=16}}}



{{{2x+2x+2-2x-4=16}}} Distribute.



{{{2x-2=16}}} Combine like terms on the left side.



{{{2x=16+2}}} Add {{{2}}} to both sides.



{{{2x=18}}} Combine like terms on the right side.



{{{x=(18)/(2)}}} Divide both sides by {{{2}}} to isolate {{{x}}}.



{{{x=9}}} Reduce.



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Answer:


So the answer is {{{x=9}}} 



This means that the three numbers are 


{{{2(9)=18}}}


{{{2(9)+2=18+2=20}}}


{{{2(9)+4=18+4=22}}}



In short, the numbers are 18, 20, and 22