Question

What are 3 consecutive integers whose product is -120

Answer 1

Consecutive integers are 1 apart
x,x+1,x+2
(x)(x+1)(x+2)=-120
x^3+3x^2+3x=-120
add 120 to both sides
x^3+3x^2+3x+120=0
factor
(x+6)(x^2-3x+20)=0
set each to zero

x+6=0
x=-6

x^2-3x+20=0
will yeild non-real result, discard
x=-6
x+1=-5
x+2=-4
the numbers are -4,-5,-6



use trial and error and logic
factor 120
120=2*2*2*3*5
how can we rearange these numbers in (x)(y)(z) format such that they multiply to 120?
obviously, the 5 has to stay since 2*5=10 which is out of range
so 2*2*2*3 has to arrange to get 3,4 or 4, 6 or 6,7
obviously, 7 cannot happen since it is prime
3 and 4 results in in 12, but 2*2*2*3=24
therfor answer is 4 and 6
they are all negative since negaive cancel except 1

the numbers are -4,-5,-6