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, …
The following are common examples of consecutive odd integer problems.
Example : Consecutive Odd Integer
The lengths of the sides of a triangle are consecutive odd numbers. What is the length of the longest side if the perimeter is 45?
Solution:
Step 1: Being consecutive odd numbers we need to add 2 to the previous number.
Assign variables :
Let x = length of shortest side
x + 2 = length of medium side
x + 4 = length of longest side
Sketch the figure
Step 2: Write out the formula for perimeter of triangle.
P = sum of the three sides
Step 3: Plug in the values from the question and from the sketch.
45 = x + x + 2 + x + 4Combine like terms
45 = 3x + 6Isolate variable x
3x = 45 – 6
3x = 39
x = 13
Step 3: Check your answer
13 + 13 + 2 + 13 + 4 = 45
Be careful! The question requires the length of the longest side.
The length of longest = 13 + 4 =17
Answer: The length of longest side is 17Rotate to landscape screen format on a mobile phone or small tablet to use the Mathway widget, a free math problem solver that answers your questions with step-by-step explanations.
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