The product of two consecutive odd integers is 143. Find their sum.

Answer 1

The numbers are

n

n + 2

n(n + 2) = 143

n² + 2n - 143 = 0

(n - 11)(n + 13) = 0

n = 11 or n = -13

You have 2 sets of solutions:

11 and 13 ⇒ 11 + 13 = 24

-13 and -11 ⇒ -13 - 11 = -24