Question 596726
Let x=first odd integer
x+2 = second odd integer


The product is 143.
x(x+2) = 143
x^2 + 2x -143=0


This factors:
(x-11)(x+13)=0
x=11  or  x=-13

x+2= 13  x+2=-11


Two sets of numbers:  11 and 13, or -13 and -11.


For additional explanation on WORD PROBLEMS, please see my own website.  The easiest way to find it is to use the easy to spell and easy to remember link www.mathinlivingcolor.com.  On this single page website, there is a link at the bottom of the page that takes you to my Homepage.  


Near the top of my homepage, look for the link "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time", and choose Basic Algebra (Chapter 1) for explanation of consecutive integer problems.  See also Intermediate and College Algebra Chapter 1 for topics such as products of consecutive integers that may require solving quadratic equations as well.  


There you will find explanations that may be easier to understand than your traditional textbooks, and many of the exercises from these sections are solved in color on the "MATH IN LIVING COLOR" pages that go with these sections.  


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Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Professor of Mathematics
Seminole State College of Florida