Question

The left and right page numbers of an open book are two consecutive integers whose sum is 281. Find these page numbers.

The two page numbers are
(Use a comma to separate answers as needed.

Answer 1

140, 141

Explanation:

Guess and check would work pretty good on this question. But let's use algebra to solve this problem.

The left page number we don't know, so let's call it x.

The next page is the next number in a row (consecutive), so it will be x+1.

The sum is 281.

x + x + 1 = 281

combine like terms.

2x + 1 = 281

Subtract one from both sides.

2x = 280

divide both sides by 2.

2x/2 = 280/2

x = 140



140 is the number on the left page. 141 is the number on the right page.

140 + 141 = 281

The page numbers are 140 and 141.