The sum of three consecutive integers is -96. What is the largest integer.

Question

Its a word problem on solving for a variable and formulas.

Answer 1

using algebra...

x, x+1, and x+2 are the integers

x+x+1+x+2=-96

3x+3=-96

3x=-96-3

3x=-99

c=-99/3

x=-33

x+1=-32

x+2=-31

using arithmetic...

if you divide -96 by 3 you get the mean or average of the three numbers which will be the middle number

-96/3=-32

now add 1 and subtract 1 to get the other two: -32+1=-31 and -32-1=-33

-31, -32, and -33 again

Answer 2

If we let the first integer be x, then the second integer is x+1, and the third is x+2, because they are consecutive. If the sum of them is -96, then you can make an equation.

 

x+x+1+x+2=-96

 

Solve for x and you've got your first integer. Find the values of the other integers and determine which one is the largest.