Question

Find two consecutive even integers such that twice the smaller is 16 more than the larger

Answer 1

Define x:
Let one of the numbers be x.
The other number is x + 2

Construct equation:
twice the smaller is 16 more than the larger
⇒2x = x + 2 - 16

Solve x:
2x = x + 2 - 16
x = -14

Find the two numbers:
Smaller number = x = -14
Larger number = x + 2 = -12

Answer: The two numbers are -14 and -12

Answer 2

Let's make an equation. X will be the smaller number while y is the bigger.
x+2=y; since they're consecutive even numbers. We will use that equation to represent y.
Twice the smaller; 2x
16 more than the larger; 16+x+2
2x=16+x+2; let's add like terms.
2x=18+x
Let's subtract x from both sides.
x=18
If the smaller number is 18, the bigger number is 20.

The two numbers are 18 and 20.