Question 914439
x = the first number
x + 2 = the second number
x + 4 = the third number
x + 6 = the fourth number
x + 8 = the fifth number

(the first) + (the fifth) = 3(the fourth) -2
(x) + (x+8) =3( x+6 ) - 2
2x + 8 = 3x + 18 -2
2x + 8 = 3x + 16
add -2x to each side
 8 = x + 16
add -16 to each side
 -8 = x
The first = -8
the second = -6
the third = -4
the fourth = -2
the fifth = 0
Checking using (the first) + (the fifth) = 3(the fourth) -2 and substituting
(-8) + (0) = 3(-2) -2
-8 = -6 -2
-8 = -8