Question

I can’t figure this question out The sum of two consecutive odd integers is -72. Find the numbers

Answer 1

We have two consecutive odd integers. Let's call the smallest number as n. The difference between two odd numbers is 2, therefore, the next odd number after n will be n + 2. If we sum those numbers, the result is - 72, then, we have the following equation

`n+(n+2)=-72`

Solving for n, we have

`\begin{gathered} n+(n+2)=-72 \\ n+n+2=-72 \\ 2n+2=-72 \\ 2n=-72-2 \\ 2n=-74 \\ n=-(74)/(2) \\ n=-37 \end{gathered}`

The smaller number is - 37. The consecutive number is - 35.

`-37+2=-35`

Our numbers are - 37 and - 35.