Answer:
-1
Explanation:
Definitions:
Consecutive - "in order"; example = 1, 2, 3, 4
Integer - all whole numbers (no decimals or fractions) and their opposites (positives and negatives)
Sum - added all together
Process:
Let's call the first of the four integers n. Then each consecutive integer would be (n+1), (n+1+1), and (n+1+1+1). So, the expression to model the sum would then be n + (n+1) + (n+2) + (n+3).
1. Set up equation: n + (n+1) + (n+2) + (n+3) = 2.
2. Simplify the left side (combine like terms):
n + (n+1) + (n+2) + (n+3) = 2 ==> 4n + 6 = 2
3. Solve for n:
4n + 6 = 2
4n + 6 - 6 = 2 - 6
4n = -4
4n/4 = -4/4
n = -1
4. Use the expressions from just before step 1 to find the other three integers: 0, 1, 2. Then add all four together, to be sure the sum is 2:
-1 + 0 + 1 + 2 = 2.