Question

Algebraically find three consecutive positive integers such that the square of the first is equal to the third.

Answer 1

Your numbers are 2, 3, 4.

The three consecutive numbers are x, x+1, x+2
The square of the first equals the third so x^2=x+2
Solve this quadratic as x^2-x-2=0
Factor into (x+1)(x-2)=0
So your answers are x=-1 and x=2
Since the question says they’re positive integers, use x=2
So the numbers are 2, 3, 4