Question 624660
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Hi, there--

The Problem: 
The sum of three consecutive even numbers is 36. Find the numbers.

Solution:
A sum of consecutive even numbers is series like 2+4+6 or 8+10+12.
Let x be the first even number in the series.

Then the second even number is two more, or x+2.
The third even number is two more than the second, x+2+2 or x+4.

We know that the sum of the three numbers is 36. In algebra, we represent this relationship as
x + x+2 + x+4 = 36

Now we solve this equation for x. First combine like terms. x+x+x is 3x and 2+4 is 6.
3x+6=36

Subtract 6 from both sides of the equation.
3x+6-6=36-6
3x=30

Divide both sides of the equation by 3. 3x/3 is x and 30/3 is 10.
x=10

In the context of this problem, x=10 means that the first even number in the series is 10. The next 
two even numbers are 10+2=12 and 10+4=14.

We need to check that 10,12, and 14 add up to 36.
10+12+14=36 True!

That's it! Please email me if you have questions or comments about the solution. I'm happy to 
explain further and I'd appreciate the feedback.

Ms.Figgy
math.in.the.vortex@gmail.com
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