### Instruction: The sum of the first and third of three consecutive integers is 118. What is the value of the second integer?### Response: I notice that the problem involves consecutive integers, which are numbers that follow each other in order, like 5, 6, 7, or -2, -1, 0.
I also notice that the problem asks for the value of the second integer, which is the one in the middle of the three consecutive integers.
I wonder if I can use algebra to write an equation that relates the first and third integers to 118.
I let x be the first integer, then the second integer is x + 1, and the third integer is x + 2, since they are consecutive.
I write an equation that says the sum of the first and third integers is 118: x + (x + 2) = 118.
I simplify the equation by combining like terms: 2x + 2 = 118.
I solve for x by subtracting 2 from both sides: 2x = 116.
I divide both sides by 2: x = 58.
I check that x = 58 makes sense in the original equation: 58 + (58 + 2) = 118.
I conclude that x = 58 is the first integer, and the second integer is x + 1 = 59.
I write the answer in a complete sentence.