Question 221413
There are 5 consecutive odd integers.  The sum of the 1st and 5th is 1 less than 3 times the fourth.  What are the 5 consecutive odd integers?


Step 1.  Let n be a the first odd integer.


Step 2.  Let n+2, n+4, n+6, and n+8 be the next 4 consecutive odd integer.


Step 3.  Let n+n+8 be the sum of the 1st and 5th integer.


Step 4.  Let 3(n+6)-1 be 1 less than 3 times the fourth.


Step 5.  Then {{{n+n+8=3(n+6)-1}}}.  Solving yields the following steps.


*[invoke explain_simplification "n+n+8=3(n+6)-1"]


n=-9, n+2=-7, n+4=-5, n+6=-3, and n+8=-1.


Check Equation {{{n+n+8=3(n+6)-1}}} or -9+(-1)=3*(-3)-1 which is a true statement.


Step 6.  ANSWER:  The five consecutive odd integers are -9, -7, -5, -3, and -1.


I hope the above steps were helpful.


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Good luck in your studies!


Respectfully,
Dr J