An even integer can be represented by the expression $2n$ , where $n$ is any integer. Find three consecutive even integers that have a sum of 54. The three consecutive even integers, in order from least to greatest, are
,
, and
.

Explain your reasoning.

Expressions for the next two consecutive even integers after $2n$ are
and
.
Solving the equation
$=54$ , and substituting the solution into the expressions for the three integers results in the three integers given above.