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| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
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Question from Michael, a parent: Find three consecutive numbers such that the second number squared |
Hi Michael,
I would let the second number be $n$ so that the three numbers are $n - 1, n \mbox{ and } n + 1.$ Now write the equation that corresponds to "the second number squared is equal to the first and third added together".
Solve the equation for $n.$ you should get two solutions. Check that they are correct by squaring $n$ and seeing if it is equal to the sum of $n - 1$ and $n + 1.$
Penny
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