I’ve been trying to figure this out for hours but I’m still confused. Can anyone help?

Question

The sum of three numbers is 71. The third number is 2 times the first. The second number is 5 less than the first. What are the numbers?

Answer 1

x = first number

x - 5 = second number

2x = third number

sum is 71

so x + x-5 + 2x = 71

4x - 5 = 71

4x = 76

x = 19

x-5 = 14

2x = 38

numbers are 19, 14, 38 (verify: 19 + 14 + 38 = 71)