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The sum of three positive integers is 42. The smallest integer is five less than the middle integer. The middle integer is two less than the greatest integer. Define a variable, write an equation and solve to find the three integers.

 Feb 25, 2021
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You have to start by defining a variable. The easiest one here is to define the greatest as X, so the middle will be X-2 and the smallest (X-2-5)=X-7

 

Then you can write the equation as: X + (X-2) + (X-7) = 42 --> X=17

 

Which gives: 

- Greatest = 17

- Middle = 17-2 = 15

- Smallest = 17-7 = 10

 Feb 25, 2021

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