Question 665668
Two consecutive numbers are represented by n and n+1.
Your problem statement says that their sum is 4 less that the larger or
(1) n + (n+1) = (n+1) - 4 or
(2) 2n + 1 = n - 3 or
(3) n = -4, then we have
(4) n+1 = -4+1 or
(5) n+1 = -3
Let's check this with (1)
Is (-4 + (-4+1) = (-4+1)-4)?
Is (-4-3 = -3-4)?
Is (-7 = -7)? Yes
Answer: The consecutive numbers are -4 and -3.