find the sum of three consecutive odd integers where x is the greatest integer

x + (x − 2) + (x − 4) = ? ;  In which

x + x − 2 + x − 4 ; 

Combine the "like terms" ; 

  x + x + x = 3x ; 

  − 2 − 4  =  −6 ; 

So we have:  "3x  − 6" as the sum. ;
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The sum of three consecutive odd integers, in which "x" is the greatest integer;  is:  "3x − 6" .
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Note:  The three consecutive odd integers, from least to greatest, are:

"(x − 4)" , "(x − 2)" , and "x" .

The sum is:  "(3x  − 6)" .
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Note:  "(3x  − 6)" factors into:  " 3(x −2)" .

Note that:  " (x − 2) " is the second integer.
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So the sum total, which is:  "(3x  −  6)" ;  is 3 (three) times the value of the second integer; that is, "3 (x − 2)" .
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