<PRE><B>Question 452026</B>
the sum of 3 numbers is 254           

show:  a + b + c = 254

The second is 3 times the first, and the third is 5 less than the second

one way to solve (in terms of a):

a + 3a + 3a-5 = 254

The first number a is equal to 37
The 2nd number is 3 times 37 = 111
The 3rd number is 5 less than the second  111-5 = 106

Check (proof)

37 + 111 + 106 ??  (is it equal to ???) 254

yes        37 + 111 + 106 = 254</PRE>