Question

Find two consecutive integers whose sum is 73. Which of the following equations could be used to solve the problem?

a:2x = 73
b: 2x + 1 = 73
c;2x + 2 = 73
d:x2 + 1= 73

Answer 1

2x + 1 = 73

2x = 72
x = 36


the 2 integers are 36 and 37

Its b

Answer 2

b: 2x + 1 = 73

Explanation:

Let x be the smaller integer,

Then the larger integer consecutive to x is x + 1,

Sum of these integers = x + x + 1 = 2x + 1

According to the question,

The sum is 73

⇒ 2x + 1 = 73

Which is the required equation that could be used to solve the problem.

Option 'b' is correct.