Question

The sum of three numbers is 62. The second number is triple the first, and the third is six more than the

second. Find the numbers.

Answer 1

The numbers are 8, 24 and 30

Explanation:

Let x be the first number.

If the second number is triple the first, then the second number is 3x

If the third number is the second number plus six, then the third number is 3x + 6

So therefore the equation is:

`x + 3x + (3x + 6) = 62`

Solving for x,

`x + 3x + 3x + 6 = 62\\7x = -6 + 62\\7x = 56\\x = 8`

But why is the second number 24?

`3x = 24\\3(8) = 24\\24 = 24`

And why is the third number 30?

`3x + 6 = 30\\24 + 6 = 30\\30 = 30`