Question 1168472: Subject: Consecutive odd integers
Choose three consecutive odd integers such that three times the second decreased by 4 is equal to twice the third increased by 15.
I attempted to solve this problem as follows.
3(x+2)-4=2(x+4)+15
After solving the equation the integers were: 21, 23, 25; however, my book gives me a different answer. I will appreciate your help. Thank you.
Found 3 solutions by josgarithmetic, ikleyn, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617)   (Show Source):
Answer by ikleyn(52781)  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! .
The condition of the problem is AMBIGOUS.
It can be read, translated and interpreted in two different ways.
One way is
3(x+2) - 4 = 2(x+2) + 15.
The other way is
3(x+2) - 4 = 2*((x+2) + 15).
Different equations/translations/interpretations produce different answers.
Therefore, such long formulations in English practically make no sense, because they often are ambiguous.
Not only they are ambiguous --- they often are DANGEROUS.
Answer by MathTherapy(10552)  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Subject: Consecutive odd integers
Choose three consecutive odd integers such that three times the second decreased by 4 is equal to twice the third increased by 15.
I attempted to solve this problem as follows.
3(x+2)-4=2(x+4)+15
After solving the equation the integers were: 21, 23, 25; however, my book gives me a different answer. I will appreciate your help. Thank you.
Your 3 integers are CORRECT!
You need to check the book again, to make sure you're looking at the answers for this particular problem!
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