the sum of two consecutive integers is 41. the smaller of the two integers is

Question

The sum of two consecutive integers is 41. The smaller of the two integers is

Answer 1

The trick here is to find a shortcut so that you don't have to try so many combinations.

 

If you call the first number "n" and you know that the numbers are consecutive, you know that the next number will be "n + 1."

 

And you also know that the two numbers added together will equal 41. So...

 

n + "n + 1" = 41, or 2n + 1 = 41.

 

Take away one from each side, and you get 2n = 40.

 

And if 2 n's are 40, n by itself must be....

 

and n + 1 will be ....

 

Hope this helps!

 

Matt in NY

Answer 2

there is a trick to narrow down the consecutive numbers.

 

I use the average (mean) to narrow down where the number go to.

 

for example

3 & 4 are consecutive and sum is 7

 

you can use the average of two number be 7/2 = 3.5 which means 3.5 +3.5 = 7

 

if rearranging that 3.5 +3.5 = 7, then you change it to 3+4 = 7 by shifting the two sum value.

 

now, can fund the two consecutive numbers that add up to 41

 

use average 41/2 = 20.5, so the two numbers should be around 20

 

20.5 +20.5 = 41, then shift the number to become 20+21 =41

 

 

the smaller value will be 20

 

Answer 3

Look at the possible answers for two integers whose sum is 41.  One possible answer would be 1 and 40.  But these are not consecutive, so that would not work.  Let's try another pair. 2 and 39.  The sum is 41 but again they are not consecutive.  Try some larger numbers.  15 and 26.  Getting closer but still not consecutive.  Keep going until you get two that add up to 41 and are also consecutive.

 

P.S. Consecutive means one comes right after the other on a number line.  For example, 2 and 3 are consecutive integers.  17 and 18 are consecutive.

 

Hope this helps!