Use the three steps to solve the problem.

The sum of 3 consecutive integral numbers is 117. Find the numbers.

1st; Let x = small number. Then from the first sentence, 4x = large number.

2nd; Complete as the two quantities to be found are assigned variables.

3rd; The second sentence states conditions placed on the quantities: "their sum is 45."

x + 4x = 45. Step 3: Solve x + 4x = 45. 5x = 45 x = 9 (small number) 4x = 36 (large number) The solution set to this number problem is {9, 36}.

Step 1: Let x = small number. Then from the first sentence, 4x = large number. Step 1 is complete as the two quantities to be found are assigned variables. Step 2: The second sentence states conditions placed on the quantities: "their sum is 45." So, x + 4x = 45. Step 3: Solve x + 4x = 45. 5x = 45 x = 9 (small number) 4x = 36 (large number) The solution set to this number problem is {9, 36}.