Consecutive integers are integers that follow in sequence, each number being 1 more than the previous number, represented by n, n +1, n + 2, n + 3, ..., where n is any integer.
For example: 23, 24, 25, …
If we start with an even number and each number in the sequence is 2 more than the previous number then we will get consecutive even integers.
For example: 16,18, 20, …
If we start with an odd number and each number in the sequence is 2 more than the previous number then we will get consecutive odd integers.
For example: 33, 35, 37, …
We will look at some examples of consecutive integer problems, consecutive odd integer problems and consecutive even integer problems.
How to solve consecutive integer problems?Example : Consecutive Integer Problem
The sum of the least and greatest of 3 consecutive integers is 60. What are the values of the 3 integers?
Solution:
Step 1: Assign variables :
Let x = least integer
x + 1 = middle integer
x + 2 = greatest integer
Translate sentence into an equation.
Sentence: The sum of the least and greatest is 60.
Rewrite sentence:
x + (x + 2) = 60
Step 2: Solve the equation
Combine like terms
2x + 2 = 60
Isolate variable x
2x = 58
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Step 3: Check your answer
29 + 29 + 2 = 60
The question wants all the 3 consecutive numbers: 29, 30 and 31
Answer: The 3 consecutive numbers are 29, 30 and 31.
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