algebra problem

Question

Find the lesser of two consecutive integer with a sum greater than 16

Answer 1

n + (n + 1) > 16

2n + 1 > 16

2n > 15

n > 7.5

Answer 2

Hi, Gin,

". . .a sum greater than 16" means 17 and above, not 16. The next integer higher than 16 is 17, so what can we do to reach that value?

Start with 8 + 8 = 16. This is the smallest two integers we can add to get 16: e.g., 8 + 7 = 15.

We want a number greater than 16 that is composed of consecutive integers, so lets change one of the eights to a nine.

8 + 9 = 17

If we go the other way, we're below the 16 threshold. We can go higher, such as 9+10 = 19, but those aren't the smallest two integers to get something over 16.

Answer 3

X first integer

x + 1 second integer

x + (x + 1) is greater than 16

2x + 1 is greater than 16 , subtract 1

2x is greater than 15

x is greater than 7.5

x = 8 and x+ 1 = 9

the smaller one is 8