Question 708256
a + b + c = -4 [sum of the three numbers is -4]
b - c = a [2nd decreased by the 3rd is equal to the 1st]
a + b = -5 [sum of the 1st and 2nd number is -5]
We have 3 equations and 3 unknowns
Combining the 1st two equations gives
(b-c) + b + c = -4 -> 2b = -4 -> b = -2
From the 3rd equation, a + b = -5 -> a - 2 = -5 -> a = -3
From the 2nd equation, c = b - a -> c = -2 - -3 = 1
Ans: a=-3, b=-2, c=1