the sum of two consecutive whole numbers in 57. what are the two numbers?

Question

(hint: let n represent the first number. then n+1 is the next consecutive number.)

Answer 1

Let n and n+1 be the numbers

 

n + (n+1) = 57

 

2n + 1 = 57

 

2n = 56

 

n = 28

 

They are 28 and 29.

 

You can also use arithmetic.

 

Divide 57 by 2 using long division

 

You will get a quotient 28 and remainder 1.

 

So 57 = 2 × 28 + 1 = 28 + 28 + 1 = 28 + 29

 

So again you get 28 and 29.

Answer 2

n + (n+1) = 57

 

2n + 1 = 57

 

2n = 56

Solve for n, the smaller number.  The larger one is n+1.