The product of two consecutive integers is 72. The equation x (x + 1) = 72 represents the situation, where x represents the smaller integer. Which equation can be factored and solved for the smaller integer?

Question

Mathematics

Bianca Pineda

24 May, 03:52

The product of two consecutive integers is 72. The equation x (x + 1) = 72 represents the situation, where x represents the smaller integer. Which equation can be factored and solved for the smaller integer?

+4

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Grayson Mathis · Answer 1

That would be:-

x^2 + x - 72 = 0

(x + 9) (x - 8) = 0

smallest number is 8

Christine Brandt · Answer 2

x (x + 1) = 72

1) x²+x-72=0 - This equation can be factored.

2) (x+9) (x-8) = 0

x=-9, x=8

3) If x=8, x+1=9

First number = 8

Second number = 9

4) If x=-9, x+1=-9+1=-8

First number = - 9

Second number = - 8