Question

2. The product of two consecutive numbers is 342. Find the smaller number. ​

Answer 1

Explanation:

$the \: two \: consecutive \: numbers \: are \\ (x + 1)and \: x \\ according \: to \: the \: given \: condition \: . \\ x (x + 1) = 342 \\ x {}^{2} + x - 342 = 0 \\ x {}^{2} + 19x - 18x - 342 = 0 \\ x(x + 19) - 18(x + 19) = 0 \\ (x + 19)(x - 18) = 0 \\ (x + 19) = 0 \: \: (x - 18) = 0 \\ x = - 19 \: and \: x = 18$

Answer 2

So the smaller number is 18.