Find three consecutive integers whose sum is -42.

1. Let n equal the first integer, so the next two consecutive integers are n plus 1 and n plus 2. 2. The sum translates to n plus (n plus 1) plus (n plus 2) equals negative 42. 3. Combine like terms: 3n plus 3 equals negative 42. 4. Subtract 3 and divide by 3 to get n equals negative 15, so the three integers are -15, -14, and -13. 5. Check: -13 plus (-14) plus (-15) equals -42. _Source: OpenStax Elementary Algebra (CC BY 4.0), Ch 3 "Math Models", section 3.1 Use a Problem-Solving Strategy_