SL360: Creating a new variable using an existing reference variable as its base

Hi Friends -

Embedding a reference variable (x) into a text box is super simple as you all know:

[My learner uses a slider to generate the numerical value for the reference variable]:  "I noticed you selected (%x%)."

How would I then take that same reference variable and subtract one from it to say:

"Why didn't you select(%x-1%)?"

Likewise:

"What would it take to get you to (%x+1%)?"

It looks like I can't use triggers to create two new variables, only adjust an existing one, but I need the original x, (x-1), and (x+1) all simultaneously to display in the same text box:

"I noticed you selected (%x%). Why didn't you select(%x-1%)? "What would it take to get you to (%x+1%)?"

Any advice on how to do this efficiently? (I suspect I'm going to feel a little silly after I see how simple the solution is)

Grateful for your time community friends - thank you!

Ash