The sum of three consecutive even integers is –78. What are the integers? Describe how you would use the strategy of writing an equation to solve the given problem.

Which of the following did you include in your description? Check all of the boxes that apply.

Let x = the smallest even integer, x + 2 = the next even integer, and x + 4 = the largest even integer.

Write the equation x + x + 2 + x + 4 = –78.

Simplify the equation as 3x + 6 = –78.

Solve the equation by subtracting 6 and dividing by 3 on both sides of the equation.

Check that the sum of the integers –28,
–26, and –24 is –78.