Two consecutive whole numbers add up to 31. Find the number using an algebraic method.
To solve this problem using an algebraic method, we can represent the two consecutive whole numbers as variables. Let's assume the first number is x.
Since the numbers are consecutive, the next number will be x+1.
According to the problem, the sum of these two numbers is 31:
x + (x+1) = 31
Now, we can solve this equation by combining like terms:
2x + 1 = 31
Next, we can isolate the variable by subtracting 1 from both sides of the equation:
2x = 31 - 1
2x = 30
Finally, we can solve for x by dividing both sides of the equation by 2:
x = 30 / 2
x = 15
Therefore, the first number is 15, and the next consecutive whole number is 15+1, which is 16.
let the smaller be x
then the next consecutive number is x+1
x + x+1 = 31
solve for x