Question

Solve number problem 8

Answer 1

Two consecutive odd integers have a difference of 2. If you let the smaller one of them be x, the other one is x + 2.

Their sum is -36, so add x and x + 2, and set equal to -36. Then solve for x to find the smaller one. Finally, 2 more than x is the greater of the two integers.

x + x + 2 = -36

2x + 2 = -36

2x = -38

x = -19

The smaller one of the two integers is -19.

x + 2 = -19 + 2 = -17

The greater of the two integers is -17.

Answer: The integers are -19 and -17.

Answer 2

Let x = one of the integers. To get to the next odd number, you would have to add 2 to the first number so it is x + 2.

"sum" tells us to add.

x + x + 2 = - 36

2x + 2 = - 36

Subtract 2 from both sides to the variable is on one side and constants are on the other.

2x = - 36 - 2

2x = - 38

Divide both sides by 2 to isolate the variable.

x = - 38/2 = - 19

x = - 19

x + 2 = - 19 + 2 = - 17

Your two numbers are -17 and -19.

To check your answer, add them together.

- 17 + (-19) = - 36

-17 - 19 = 36

-36 = -36