SOLUTION: Find three consecutive positive even integers such that the product of the first and second is two less than five times the third.(Only an algebraic solution will be accepted.)

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Question 199101: Find three consecutive positive even integers such that the product of the first and second is two less than five times the third.(Only an algebraic solution will be accepted.)
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Let represent the first integer.

The next consecutive even integer must then be , and

The one after that must be

The product of the first two:



Two less than five times the third:



So:



Distribute across the binomials, collect like terms, put the equation into standard form, and solve the quadratic. You will get one negative odd integer root that you can discard, and one positive even root that is the value of the first integer. The other two follow.

John