Respuesta :
Let the largest of the three integers be x. The next smaller one is x - 1, and the smallest is x - 2.
Now we add them and set the sum equal to -204.
x + x - 1 + x - 2 = -204
3x - 3 = -204
3x = -201
x = -67
Answer: The largest integer is -67.
To find the largest integer, we must know what the smallest is first. Let the smallest be x. Note that it is consecutive, and so the other numbers are 1 greater and 2 greater than x.
Set the equation:
(x) + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = -204
Simplify. Combine like terms
(x + x + x) + (1 + 2) = -204
3x + 3 = -204
Isolate the x. Note the equal sign. What you do to one side, you do to the other. Do the opposite of PEMDAS.
First, subtract 3 from both sides
3x + 3 (-3) = -204 (-3)
3x = -207
Next, divide 3 from both sides
3x/3 = -207/3
x = -207/3
x = -69
-69 is the smallest number. To find the largest integer, plug it back in to (x + 2)
x = -69
-69 + 2= -67
-67 is your largest integer.
hope this helps