In algebra word problems (Class 8 and 9), you are often asked to find the sum or product of 'consecutive even' or 'consecutive odd' numbers. Knowing how to write them as variables is the key to solving the problem.
Even number sequence: jumps by 2.
Odd number sequence: also jumps by 2.
Algebra format for both: x, x+2, x+4.
Standard consecutive numbers (1, 2, 3...): x, x+1, x+2.
Even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8...) always jump by 2. If you pick an unknown even number and call it x, The next even number will be x + 2. The next one will be x + 4.
Format: Let the three consecutive even numbers be x, x+2, x+4. (Note: Here, x must be an even number).
Odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7...) ALSO jump by 2! (From 3 to 5 is a jump of 2). If you pick an unknown odd number and call it x, The next odd number will be x + 2. The next one will be x + 4.
Format: Let the three consecutive odd numbers be x, x+2, x+4. (Note: Here, x must be an odd number).
Yes! The algebraic representation for both is x, x+2, x+4. The only difference is the starting value. If x is even (e.g., 10), the sequence is 10, 12, 14. If x is odd (e.g., 7), the sequence is 7, 9, 11.
Let the first even number be x. The three consecutive even numbers are x, x+2, and x+4.
Let the first odd number be x. The three consecutive odd numbers are also represented as x, x+2, and x+4 (because odd numbers also jump by 2).
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