"An odd integer can be represented by the expression n + 2, where n is any odd integer. Find three consecutive odd integers that have a sum of -51"

Question

I'm having some trouble with this question, does anyone mind helping me?

Answer 1

Let n be the smallest of the consecutive odd integers. Then the others are n+2 and n+4.

So, n + (n+2) + (n+4) = -51

3n = -57

n = -19

The integers are -19, -17, and -15.

Answer 2

Three consecutive odd integers are n, n+2, n+4. So:

n + n+2 + n+4 = -51

3n + 6 = -51

Solve for n, the first odd integer. The other two are n+2 and n+4.