| Step 1. Read the problem. |
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| Step 2. Identify what we are looking for. |
We are looking for two consecutive odd integers. |
| Step 3. Name what we are looking for. |
Let n= the first odd integer. |
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n+2= the next odd integer |
| Step 4. Translate into an equation. State the problem in one sentence. |
“The product of two consecutive odd integers is 195.” |
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The product of the first odd integer and the second odd integer is 195. |
| Translate into an equation. |
n(n+2)n2+2n==195195 |
| Step 5. Solve the equation. Distribute. Write the equation in standard form. Factor. |
n2+2n−195(n+15)(n−13)==00 |
| Use the Zero Product Property. Solve each equation. |
n+15=0n−13=0n=−15,n=13 |
| There are two values of n that are solutions. This will give us two pairs of consecutive odd integers for our solution. |
|
| First odd integern=13next odd integern+213+215First odd integern=−15next odd integern+2−15+2−13 |
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| Step 6. Check the answer. |
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| Do these pairs work? |
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| Are they consecutive odd integers? |
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| 13,15−13,−15yesyes |
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| Is their product 195? |
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| 13⋅15−13(−15)==195195yesyes |
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| Step 7. Answer the question. |
Two consecutive odd integers whose product is 195 are 13, 15 and −13, −15. |