What is the smaller of two consecutive even integers if the sum of twice the smaller integer and the larger integer is -16?

Question

This was a math question I didn't really understand...I'd be really grateful if you could help me out!

Answer 1

n = the smaller even integer

n + 2 = the next even integer

The wording of the question translates into

2n + (n + 2) = -16

3n + 2 = -16

3n = -18

n = -6

Test the answer.