Question

The sum of 4 consecutive even integers is –52. What is the least of the 4 integers?

Answer 1

least = - 16

Explanation:

there is a difference of 2 between consecutive even numbers.

let the 4 consecutive even numbers be

n , n + 2 , n + 4 , n + 6 , then their sum

n + n + 2 + n + 4 + n + 6 = - 52 , that is

4n + 12 = - 52 ( subtract 12 from both sides )

4n = - 64 ( divide both sides by 4 )

n = - 16

the 4 even integers are

- 16

- 16 + 2 = - 14

- 16 + 4 = - 12

- 16 + 6 = - 10

with the least integer being n = -16