Answer:
-28, -26, -24
Step-by-step explanation:
First, let's call the smallest number: n
Then, the next two consecutive even numbers would be:
n+2 and n+4 (this is because it's only even numbers so we add 2)
We know the sum of these is −78 so we can write this equation and solve for n:
n + (n + 2) + (n + 4) = -78
n + n + 2 + n + 4 = -78
n + n + n + 2 + 4 = -78
n + n + n + 6 = -78
1n + 1n + 1n + 6 = -78
3n + 6 = -78 Subtract 6 from each side, which cancels the 6 on the left.
3n + 6 - 6 = -78 - 6
3n = -78 - 6
3n = -84 Divide each side by 3
3n/3 = -84/3
n = -84/3
n = -28
n + 2 = -28 + 2 = -26
n + 4 = -28 + 4 = -24
The 3 consecutive odd integers would be:
-28, -26, -24
Let's check our work:
-28 + -26 + -24 = -78 We are correct!
