------------------------------------------------------ Define x : ------------------------------------------------------ Let one of the numbers be x. 1st number = x 2nd number = x + 2 3rd number = x + 4
------------------------------------------------------ Construct the equation : ------------------------------------------------------ The 3 numbers add up to -9. x + x + 2 + x + 4 = -9
------------------------------------------------------ Solve x : ------------------------------------------------------ x + x + 2 + x + 4 = -9 3x + 6 = -9 3x = -9 -6 3x = -15 x = -5
------------------------------------------------------ Find the numbers : ------------------------------------------------------ 1st number = x = -5 2nd number = x + 2 = -5 + 2 = -3 3rd number = x + 4 = -5 + 4 = -1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: The 3 numbers are -5, -3, -1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
