SOLUTION: I need help find three consecutive odd integers whose squrares have a sum of 155 can you help me?

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Question 287723: I need help find three consecutive odd integers whose squrares have a sum of 155 can you help me?
Found 2 solutions by solver91311, Alan3354:
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Let represent the first odd integer. Since every odd integer is 2 larger than the previous one, the next odd integer must be and the one after that,

The square of the first one is:

The square of the second one is:

The square of the third one is:

The sum of the squares, after collecting like terms (verification left as an exercise for the student) is:



And this sum is equal to 155:





Factor and solve the quadratic. Quadratics have two solutions. Check both of them to see if they both satisfy the conditions of the problem.


John


Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
155/3 = almost 52
sqrt(52) = apx 7, the middle number
--> 5, 7, 9
and -9, -7, -5