Question

The sum of two consecutive integers is -23. What is the larger number? *

Answer 1

Two consecutive numbers: x and x+1

So

x+x+1=-23

We solve the equation

2x=-24

x=-12 and x+1=-11

Indeed -12+-11=-23

Now the largest of -12 and -11 is :

-11

Answer 2

The sum of two consecutive integers is -23.

Let the larger number = x

smaller number = x - 1

Sum = -23

=> x + x - 1 = -23

=> 2x - 1 = -23

=> 2x = -23 + 1 = -22

=> x = -22/2

=> x = -11

Larger number is -11