The dimensions of a rectangular photograph are odd consecutive integers. The area of the photograph is 255 square inches. Find the lengths of each side

Answer 1

Let X = the shorter side.

Then X+2 = the longer side.

Area = (X) * (X+2)

So X(X+2)=255.

X² + 2X = 255

X² + 2X - 255 = 0

(X + ?)(X - ?)=0

(X+17)(X-15)=0

X = 15

So the lengths of the sides are 15 & 17.

Note: -17 is also a solution, algebraically speaking, but of course length cannot be negative (in the real world).