# Thread: word problem, consecutive integers.

1. ## word problem, consecutive integers.

The perimeter of a triangle is 78'. The lengths of the sides are represented by 3 conscutive integers. What are those lengths. I have no idea where to start with this one??????????

2. The lengths of the sides are represented by 3 conscutive integers. Therefore, the sum of the lengths of the sides (Perimeter) is:

$P = n + (n+1) + (n+2)$

P is given, so solve for n.

3. Hint: let the length of this triangle be $n,n+1,n+2$ (you may these choose this concecutive number to be $m-1,m,m+1$ as well). The second choice give you a nicer computation.

4. Still a bit confused on this one, I came up with an answer of

P= 78 consecutive numbers are 25,26,27 but I am not sure how to put this as an equation.

5. Originally Posted by tpoma
Still a bit confused on this one, I came up with an answer of

P= 78 consecutive numbers are 25,26,27 but I am not sure how to put this as an equation.
Chop Suey gave you the equation.

$P = n + (n+1) + (n+2)$

$78 = n + (n+1) + (n+2)$

6. I guess what I am asking is my final answer is going to look like this.....

78= 25+(26+1)+(27+2) That just does not look right.

7. Originally Posted by tpoma
I guess what I am asking is my final answer is going to look like this.....

78= 25+(26+1)+(27+2) That just does not look right.
You're right, it doesn't. You should have put 25 in place of n in every instance instead of the 26 and 27 that you did put in.

$78=25+(25+1)+(25+2)$

8. That makes sense now...I see what I did. Thanks for all your help!!