Question

The product of two consecutive integers is 72. The equation x(x + 1) = 72 represents the situation, where x represents the smaller integer. Which equation can be factored and solved for the smaller integer?

Answer 1

x(x + 1) = 72
1) x²+x-72=0 - This equation can be factored.
2) (x+9)(x-8)=0
x=-9, x=8
3) If x=8, x+1=9
First number = 8
Second number = 9
4) If x=-9, x+1=-9+1=-8
First number = -9
Second number = -8

Answer 2

That would be:-

x^2 + x - 72 = 0

(x + 9)(x - 8) = 0

smallest number is 8