-------------------------------------------------------------------- Define x : -------------------------------------------------------------------- Let the smallest number be x. First number = x Second Number = x + 1 Third Number = x + 2
-------------------------------------------------------------------- Solve x : -------------------------------------------------------------------- x(x + 2) - (x + 1) = 7(x + 2) + 1 x² + 2x - x - 1 = 7x + 14 + 1 x²- 6x - 16 = 0 (x+2)(x-8) = 0 x = -2 or x = 8
Since x is a positive integer, it cannot be negative. ⇒x = 8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: The three numbers are 8, 9 and 10. --------------------------------------------------------------------------