Write and simplify an expression for the sum of three consecutive integers, when the middle number is 2n.
What does this mean exactly?
(2n-1) + 2n + (2n+1) ,, Would this be correct? What does it mean to simplify this?
Yes, you have written out the expression.
Now collect the like terms : )
To find the sum of three consecutive integers when the middle number is 2n, we can follow these steps:
1. Assign a variable to the middle number. In this case, let's say the middle number is 2n.
2. Write down the expression for the three consecutive integers: (2n-1), 2n, (2n+1).
To simplify this expression, we can combine like terms. Like terms are numbers or variables that have the same exponent or power. In this case, we have a constant term (-1) and three terms with the variable 2n.
To simplify the expression, we can group the like terms together:
(2n-1) + 2n + (2n+1)
Combine the like terms:
2n + 2n + 2n + (-1) + 1
Simplify the expression:
6n + 0
Since 0 is the additive identity (adding 0 to any number does not change the value), the simplified expression is:
6n