GMAT Exam: A Simple Guide To Solving Word Problems - Consecutive Numbers

Consecutive integers differ by 1. For these problems, let n = the first integer (the least one), n + 1 = the second integer, n + 2 = the third integer, and so on.

Example: The greatest of three consecutive integers is 10 more than twice the second integer. What is the value of the greatest integer?
Let n = the first integer, n + 1 = the second integer, and n + 2 = the third integer (the greatest one). Write an equation that represents the facts given in the question. (n + 2) = 2(n + 1) + 10

Solve the equation.

The greatest integer is –8.

Consecutive even integers and consecutive odd integers differ by 2.

For these problems, let n = the first even or odd integer, n + 2 = the second even or odd integer, and n + 4 = the third even or odd integer, and so on.

If you know the sum of three integers, the middle integer is their sum divided by 3.

For example, if three consecutive even integers have a sum of 42, the middle even integer is 42 ÷ 3 = 14, which makes the other two even integers 12 and 16.