The sum of three certain consecutive numbers is 240. find the three numbers. [hint: let x stand for the smallest number. since the numbers are consecutive, add 1 to get the second number (x + 1) and add 2 to get the third number (x + 2).]

Write an equation based on the problem in the terms of x and solve the equation
first number + second number + third number = 240
x + x + 1 + x + 2 = 240
3x + 3 = 240
3x = 240 - 3
3x = 237
  x = 237/3
  x = 79
The smallest number, x, is equal to 79

Find the next two numbers
the second number = x + 1
the second number = 79 + 1
the second number = 80

the third number = x + 2
the third number = 79 + 2
the third number = 81

ANSWER: The three numbers are 79, 80, 81