How to solve consecutive integer problems in Algebra
What are consecutive integers?
Consecutive integers are integers that are one number apart from each other.
Integers are “whole numbers” that are either positive or negative, which means we’re not including fractions or decimals.
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Negative numbers can sometimes seem difficult at first. Remember that in ascending order more negative numbers come first. Here are some consecutive numbers written in ascending order (smallest to largest):
???-5,\ -4,\ -3,\ -2,\ -1,\ 0,\ 1,\ 2,\ 3,\ 4,\ 5???
How to use algebra to find groups of consecutive integers
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Finding the next and previous consecutive integer(s)
Example
Write the next three consecutive integers following ???-2???.
Since consecutive integers are each one apart from the next, if we write ???-2??? and the next three consecutive integers, we get
???-2,\ -1,\ 0,\ 1???
Let’s try another example of consecutive numbers.
Remember that in ascending order more negative numbers come first.
Example
Write the previous three consecutive numbers before ???-1???.
Since consecutive integers are each one apart from the next, if we write ???-1??? and the previous three consecutive integers, we get
???-4,\ -3,\ -2,\ -1???
Each number is one apart from the next.
