The sum of two numbers that differ by one is x. In terms of x, what is the value of the lesser of the two numbers?

a. x+1/2
b. x/2
c. x-1/2
d. x/2 -1
e. 2x+1/2

smaller number n

larger number n+1

n + n+1 = x
2n = x-1
n = (x-1)/2

none of your given answers are correct, unless you meant to type c) as (x-1)/2

n+(n+1)=x

2n+1=x
2n=x-1
n is the lesser of two numbers

To find the value of the lesser of the two numbers, let's assume the two numbers are "a" and "b". We are given that the numbers differ by one, so we can write this as:

a - b = 1

The sum of the two numbers is given as x, so we have:

a + b = x

Now, we can solve this system of equations to find the values of "a" and "b". Adding the two equations together eliminates the variable "b":

(a + b) + (a - b) = x + 1
2a = x + 1
a = (x + 1)/2

So, the value of the lesser of the two numbers, "a", is (x + 1)/2.

Now, let's look at the answer choices to determine which one matches our result:

a. x + 1/2 - This is not equivalent to (x + 1)/2.

b. x/2 - This is also not equivalent to (x + 1)/2.

c. x - 1/2 - This is not equivalent to (x + 1)/2 either.

d. x/2 - 1 - This is the closest option to (x + 1)/2, but it is still not equivalent.

e. 2x + 1/2 - This option is not equivalent to (x + 1)/2.

Therefore, none of the answer choices match the value of the lesser of the two numbers, which is (x + 1)/2.