Question 637872
My granddaughter may be taking the same regents, so I'm rushing the solution to you.
Let n = the first odd integer
Then the next higher odd integer is n+2 (n+1 is an even number)
And the third and largest odd integer is n+4 (or n+2+2)
The sum of them = 5*(middle odd integer) less 18
n + (n+2) + (n+4) = 5*(n+2) - 18
Simplify by adding like terms
3n + 6 = 5n + 10 -18
6 - 10 + 18 = 5n - 3n
2n = 14
n = 7 OK?
Answer: the three consecutive odd integers are 7, 9, 11
Let's check.
Does (7+9+11 = 5(9)-18)?
Does (27 = 45-18)?
Does (27=27)? Yes