What two consecutive numbers that add up to 552?

Answer 1

There are no two conscutive numbers that ad up to be 552, for an odd and an even number, cannot equal an even, and consecutive numbers can't necessarily be decimals. However, there are two consecutive ODD numbers that add up to this number. This is because an odd plus an odd can equal an even. In a short way to do this, (NOT RECCOMENDED) You would divide this number by two: 552/2=276. Then you subtract one from 276, to get your first conecutive integer, and add one to 276 to get the second. The numbers would be: 275 and 277. These are consequitive because they go in an order. There are no other odd integers between them. Now for the long, more accurate way. (RECOMMENDED)

First set up "Let" statements.

Let X equal the smaller number.

Let X = Smaller #

For the second one, since you add 2 to get from one odd integer (as well as even integer) to the next, The larger # would equal X+2

Let X+2 = Larger #

Since you have to add them together, it would be:

X + X+2 = (The original total) 552

Then combine like terms to get:

2X + 2 = 552

Then solve.

552 - 2 = 550

2X = 550 is left.

550/2 = 275

X= 275

THAT IS NOT THE ANSWER!!!

275 is only equal to X, now plug it back into your "Let" Statements.

Let X = Smaller #

Becomes...

Let 275 = Smaller #

Now:

Let X+2 = Larger Number

Let 275 + 2 = Larger #

275 + 2 = 277.

Same answers, but a more accurate method, depending if your teacher wants to see work.

The two numbers are 275, and 277.

Here is how to check it.

Does 275 and 277 add up to 552?

Yes it does. Hope that helps!!!