Remember: consecutive numbers are numbers that are back to back. For example, 1, 2, 3, and 4 are consecutive numbers while 1, 3, 5, and 6 are not.
Form your equation. Let x be your first number, x + 1 your second number, x + 2 your third, and x + 3 is your fourth. To further understand this, temporarily substitute 1 for x, and you will find that they are consecutive. (x) + (x + 1) + (x + 2) + (x + 3) = -26
Solve for x. (x) + (x + 1) + (x + 2) + (x + 3) = -26 Distributive Property x + x + 1 + x + 2 + x + 3 = -26 Combine like terms 4x + 1 + 2 + 3 = -26 Combine like terms 4x + 6 = -26 Subtract 6 from both sides 4x = -32 Divide by 4 to both sides x = -8 Isolated x
Substitute (-8) for x to find the numbers. 1st #: x = -8 2nd #: x + 1 = (-8) + 1 = -7 3rd #: x + 2 = (-8) + 2 = -6 4th #: x + 3 = (-8) + 3 = -5
The numbers are -8, -7, -6, and -5.
You can also check your work. (-8) + (-7) + (-6) + (-5) = -26 -26 = -26
