Find three consecutive integers whose sum is 138 by writing and solving an equation.
To find three consecutive integers whose sum is 138, we can set up an equation and solve it algebraically.
Let's assume the first consecutive integer is "x". The next consecutive integer would be "x + 1", and the one after that would be "x + 2".
The sum of these three consecutive integers is expressed as:
x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 138
Simplifying:
3x + 3 = 138
Now, we can solve for x by isolating the variable:
3x = 138 - 3
3x = 135
Dividing both sides of the equation by 3:
x = 45
So, the first consecutive integer is 45. The next two consecutive integers would be 45 + 1 = 46 and 45 + 2 = 47.
Hence, the three consecutive integers whose sum is 138 are 45, 46, and 47.
Let x = smallest integer.
x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 138
3x + 6 = 138
3x = 132
x = ?