Question 95608
Let x=the first

Then x+1=the second
And x+2=the third

Sum of the first and third is:
x+x+2 or 2x+2

Eight less than the second is:
(x+1)-8 or x-7
Now we are told that the sum of the first and third is eight less than the second.  So:

2x+2=x-7  subtract x and also 2 from both sides

2x-x+2-2=x-x-7-2 collect like terms

x=-9--------------first
x+1=-9+1=-8----------second
x+2=-9+2=-7----------------third

CK
the sum of the first and third is eight less than the second:
2x+2=x-7
2*(-9)+2=-9-7

-16=-16


Hope this helps---ptaylor