Answer:
a. [L], [M]
b. 41, 42, 43
Step-by-step explanation:
a.
If x represents the smallest number, then the second number is (x+1) and the third number is (x+2). The sum is of the first number (x), 3 times the second number, 3(x+1), and 2 times the third number, 2(x+2). That sum can be written as ...
Total = x +3(x +1) +2(x +2) . . . . matches [L]
If we use the distributive property to eliminate parentheses, we get ...
Total = x +3x +3 +2x +4 . . . . . matches [M]
__
b.
Using the equation of [M], we have ...
253 = x +3x +3 +2x +4
246 = 6x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . collect terms, subtract 7 from both sides
41 = x . . . . . . . . . divide both sides by 6
The three consecutive numbers are 41, 42, 43.
