The sum of three numbers is 72 the second number is three times the third the third number is eight more than the first what are the numbers

Our three numbers are 8, 48, and 16.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the first, second, and third numbers be x, y, and z, respectively.

The sum of them is 72. In other words:

The second number y is three times the third number z. So:

And the third number z is eight more than the first number x. So:

To find the numbers, solve for the system. We can substitute the last two equations into the first:

Substitute again:

Solve for x. Distribute:

Combine like term:

Subtract:

And divide:

Thus, the first number is eight.

And since the third number is eight more than the first, the third number z is 16.

The second number is three times the third. Thus, the second number y is 3(16) or 48.

Our three numbers are 8, 48, and 16.