The difference of two consecutive numbers is 15 the greater number is X then find the smallest
greater --- x
lesser --- x-1
x+x-1 = 15
solve and sub into my definitions
To find the smallest number, we need to solve the algebraic equation representing the given information.
Let's represent the smaller number as "Y."
From the given information, we can determine that the greater number, X, is 15 more than the smaller number: X = Y + 15.
Since the two numbers are consecutive, we also know that the difference between them is 15: X - Y = 15.
Now we have a system of two equations:
X = Y + 15 (equation 1)
X - Y = 15 (equation 2)
To find Y, we can substitute the value of X from equation 1 into equation 2:
(Y + 15) - Y = 15.
By simplifying the equation, we get:
15 = 15.
This equation is true, which means that the value of Y does not affect the equation since it cancels out. In other words, Y can be any number.
Therefore, we cannot determine the specific value of the smallest number (Y) using the given information.