Question

Sam y have ages that are consecutive odd integers. The product of their ages is 783. Which equation could be used to find Jeremy's age, j, if he is the younger man?

Answer 1

sam and jeremy
consecitive odd
means they are 2 years apart
j is younger
j+2=s
product is 783
783=js
s=j+2
783=j(j+2)
783=j^2+2j
minus783 both sides
0=j^2+2j-783
factor or use quadratic formula
0=(j-27)(j+29)
set to zero

0=j-27
add 27
27=j

0=j+29
minus 29
-29=j
false, cannot be negative age

answer is jeremy is 27 years old