If the sum of two consecutive integers is 57, what is the greater integer?

If the sum of two consecutive integers is 57, what is the greater integer?

• A. 28
• B. 29
• C. 27
• D. 30

Answer: (B)

Two consecutive integers can be written as n and n+1. Their sum is 2n+1. If 2n+1 equals 57, then n = 28, so the pair is 28 and 29, and the larger one is 29. Another quick view: the sum 57 is odd, so the two numbers must be one less and one more than 28.5, namely 28 and 29, with 29 being the greater.

Two consecutive integers can be written as n and n+1. Their sum is 2n+1. If 2n+1 equals 57, then n = 28, so the pair is 28 and 29, and the larger one is 29. Another quick view: the sum 57 is odd, so the two numbers must be one less and one more than 28.5, namely 28 and 29, with 29 being the greater.