Consecutive integers are as simple as 1, 2, 3!
Integers are consecutive if one follows another. How do we "jump" from one integer to the next? We add 1, right? 7, 8 and 9 are three consecutive integers. Add one to 7 to get 8 and add one more to get 9.
Now lets think about this in algebraic terms. Lets name these consecutive integers , x, y and z.
The problem tells us that their sum is 87. (Recall, "sum" is just a fancy word for the answer when we add.)
x+y+z = 87
Here is the trick! We need to rewrite this equation so that we have only one variable. Easy!
y is one more that x, so y= x+1
And z is one more than y, so z= y+1. But y is also equal to (x+1)! So z=y+1=(x+1)+1=x+2
Now we have a problem that we can solve! x+(x+1)+(x+2)=87.
Combining term.: 3x+3=87
Subtract 3 from both sides of the equation: 3x=84
Divide each side of the equation by 3: x=28
We have solved for x, but we are not done! We need to find y and z. I know you can do this. Remember y is one more than x and z is one more than y.
Check your work! Make sure these three consecutive numbers do in fact add up to 87.
