The sum of three numbers is 8.5. the second is 7 more than the first. the third is 2 more than 4 times the second. find the numbers.

Let the first number be x
first number = x

Second is 7 more than the first
second number = x + 7

The third is 2 more than 4 times the second
third number = 4(x+7)+ 2  = 4x + 28 + 2 = 4x + 30

sum of three numbers is 8.5
x + x + 7 + 4x + 30 = 8.5
6x  + 37 = 8.5
6x = 8.5 - 37
6x = -28.5
x = - 4.75

first number = x = -4.75
second number = x + 7 = 2.25
third number = 4x + 30 = 4(-4.75) + 30 =11

They are -4.75, 2.25 and 11