LET N BE THE MIDDLE NUMBER OF THREE CONSECUTIVE INTEGERS

Question

Let
n
be the middle number of three consecutive integers. Write an expression for the sum of these integers.

Answer 1

Chance, don't think too much!

 

If the middle number is n, then the first number is n-1 and the third number is n + 1.

 

So, we have (n - 1) + n + (n + 1).  In this case, you can take out the parentheses.  Combine like terms and you get 3n.

 

Let's check.  3 + 4 + 5 = 12 = 3(4)

 

5 + 6 + 7 = 18 = 3(6).

 

Hope this helps!