The sum of two consecutive odd integers is 56, how do you find the two odd integers?

1 Answer
Feb 21, 2016

The odd numbers are 29 and 27

Explanation:

There are several way to do this. I am opting to use the derivation of odd number method. The thing about this is that is uses what I call a seed value that has to be converted to arrive at the value you want.

If a number is divisible by 2 yielding an integer answer then you have an even number. To convert this to odd just add or subtract 1
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color(blue)("The seed value is "n)

Let any even number be 2n

Then any odd number is 2n+1

If the first odd number be 2n+1
Then the second odd number is " "2n+1+2" "=" "2n+3

Think like this: 1^("st") "odd is "2n+1

Next number is even: " "(2n+1)+1=2n+2

Next number is odd:" "(2n+2)+1=2n+3

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Using the above notation

Let the first odd number be:" "2n+1
Let the second odd number be:" "2n+3

Given that: " "(2n+1) +(2n+3)=56

=> 4n+4=56

=> n=52/4=13

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so the first odd number:" "2n+1=2(13)+1" "=" "27

second odd number is 27+2=29

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Check:

29+27=56