The sum of three consecutive odd integers is 18 less than five times the middle number. Find the three integers. Only and algebraic solution can solve the answer.
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Consecutive odd integers differ by 2; call them x, x+2, and x+4.
From the problem, we know that x + x+2 + x+4 = 5(x+2) - 18; solve for x:
3x + 6 = 5x + 10 - 18
3x + 6 = 5x - 8
6 = 2x - 8
14 = 2x
x = 7, so the numbers must be 7, 9, and 11
From the problem, we know that x + x+2 + x+4 = 5(x+2) - 18; solve for x:
3x + 6 = 5x + 10 - 18
3x + 6 = 5x - 8
6 = 2x - 8
14 = 2x
x = 7, so the numbers must be 7, 9, and 11