The sum of two positive consecutive integers is x. In terms of x, what is the value of the smaller of these two integers?
Answer choices:
A. (x/2) - 1
B. (x-1) / 2
C. x/2
D. (x+1)/2
E. (x/2) +1
I'm not quite so sure how to do this question, because when I normally see a question involving consecutive integers, they equal to a number, not a variable. No question is similar to that one in my textbook or notes. Could someone please explain how to do it and help me out? Thank you!
Answer choices:
A. (x/2) - 1
B. (x-1) / 2
C. x/2
D. (x+1)/2
E. (x/2) +1
I'm not quite so sure how to do this question, because when I normally see a question involving consecutive integers, they equal to a number, not a variable. No question is similar to that one in my textbook or notes. Could someone please explain how to do it and help me out? Thank you!
-
Let 'a' be a number.
It's Consecutive can be either a+1 or a-1.
Case 1:
the two consecutive numbers are chosen as a and a+1
Now their Sum is (2a+1) which is equal to x.
Hence a = (x-1)/2
Smaller of these number is 'a' since a is positive
Case 2:
the two consecutive numbers are chosen as a and a-1
Now their Sum is (2a-1) which is equal to x.
Hence a = (x+1)/2
Smaller of these number is 'a-1' since a is positive
(a-1) = (x-1)/2
In any case the smaller of these two integers is (x-1)/2
It's Consecutive can be either a+1 or a-1.
Case 1:
the two consecutive numbers are chosen as a and a+1
Now their Sum is (2a+1) which is equal to x.
Hence a = (x-1)/2
Smaller of these number is 'a' since a is positive
Case 2:
the two consecutive numbers are chosen as a and a-1
Now their Sum is (2a-1) which is equal to x.
Hence a = (x+1)/2
Smaller of these number is 'a-1' since a is positive
(a-1) = (x-1)/2
In any case the smaller of these two integers is (x-1)/2