There are 3 numbers. The second number is 2 more than the first number. The third number is 2 more than the second number. The sum of the 3 numbers is 54. What is the greatest number?

Answer 1

a b and c

b = a + 2
c = b + 2 so = a +4

a + b + c = a + a + 2 + a + 4 = 54
3 a +6 = 54
3 a = 48
a = 16
so
c = a + 4 = 20
Now you do some

Answer 2

I would go with one variable right away

first --- x
2nd --- x+2
3rd --- x+2 + 2 = x+4

x + x+2 + x+4 = 54
3x = 548
x = 16

etc