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Consecutive Integers in Algebra

Aug 12, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the concept of consecutive integers in arithmetic and algebra, focusing on how to represent consecutive, odd, and even integers using variables for problem-solving.

Consecutive Integers in Arithmetic

  • Consecutive integers are numbers that follow one after another, e.g., 1, 2, 3.
  • Consecutive even integers: numbers like 2, 4, 6, where each number is two more than the previous.
  • Consecutive odd integers: numbers like 1, 3, 5, where each number is two more than the previous.

Consecutive Integers in Algebra

  • Use a variable (commonly ( x )) to represent the first integer.
  • The next consecutive integers are ( x + 1 ), ( x + 2 ), etc.
  • Example: If ( x = 5 ), then the next two consecutive integers are 6 and 7.

Consecutive Odd Integers in Algebra

  • Odd integers are represented by ( x ), ( x + 2 ), ( x + 4 ) where ( x ) is an odd number.
  • Example: If ( x = 9 ), the next two consecutive odd integers are 11 and 13.

Consecutive Even Integers in Algebra

  • Even integers are represented by ( x ), ( x + 2 ), ( x + 4 ) where ( x ) is an even number.
  • Example: If ( x = 8 ), the next two consecutive even integers are 10 and 12.

Application & Patterns

  • To model a sequence of consecutive (normal, odd, or even) integers in algebra, list as ( x, x + 1, x + 2 ) for regular, and ( x, x + 2, x + 4 ) for even/odd.
  • For problem-solving, always define the variable for the first term, then each following term based on the pattern.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Consecutive Integers — Numbers that follow one another without gaps, differing by 1.
  • Even Integers — Integers divisible by 2 (e.g., 2, 4, 6).
  • Odd Integers — Integers not divisible by 2 (e.g., 1, 3, 5).

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice writing algebraic expressions for sequences of consecutive, odd, and even integers.
  • Prepare for application problems, such as finding the sum of consecutive integers.