# How to Solve Consecutive Number Problems Part 2

In the previous post, we have discussed the basics of consecutive number problems. We have learned that in word problems in Algebra, consecutive numbers usually mean numbers increasing  by 1. Consecutive even numbers and consecutive odd numbers increase by 2. So, consecutive numbers whose smallest is x are x, x + 1 and x + 2 and so on, while consecutive odd/even numbers whose smallest number is y are y, y + 2, y + 4 and so on.

In this post, we begin with the third example in the series since we already had 2 examples in the previous post.

Example 3

The sum of four consecutive numbers is 70. What are the numbers?

Solution

Let

$x$ = first number

$x + 1$ = second number

$x + 2$ = third number

$x + 3$ = fourth number

Since we are talking about the sum of the four numbers, we add them. That is,

sum of four numbers = 70

$x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) + (x + 3) = 70$

Simplifying, we have

$4x + 6 = 70$

$4x = 70 - 6$

$4x = 64$

$4x/4 =64/4$

$x = 16$.

So, the smallest number is 16. Therefore, the four consecutive numbers are 16, 17, 18, and 19.

Check: $16 + 17 + 18 + 19 = 70$

Example 4

The sum of 3 consecutive odd numbers is equal to 51. What are the numbers?

Solution

As we have discussed above, odd numbers increase by 2 each time (like 5, 7, 9, 11), so we let

$x$ = first number

$x + 2$ = second number

$x + 4$ = third number

Now, we add the numbers and equate to 51.

$x + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 51$

$3x + 6 = 51$

$3x = 51 - 6$

$3x = 45$

$3x/3 = 45/3$

$x = 15$

So the smallest odd number is 15. Therefore, the three consecutive odd numbers are 15, 17, and 19.

Check: $15 + 17 + 19 = 51$

You can also view the video tutorial of the discussion above in this video. The language is in Taglish.

In the next post, we will be discussing more problems about consecutive numbers.

### 3 Responses

1. January 9, 2015

[…] problems about consecutive numbers. We have already discussed four problems in the first part and second part of this series, so we start with the fifth […]

2. July 28, 2015

[…] the next post, we will be discussing more consecutive number […]

3. August 20, 2015

[…] How to Solve Consecutive Number Problems Part 2 discusses more examples about consecutive numbers and consecutive odd numbers. […]