Example 3

Example 3

Determine four consecutive odd integers such that if the first integer is increased by 2, the second integer is decreased by 2, the third integer is multiplied by 2 and the fourth integer is squared, the sum of the four resulting integers is 7.

Number	Integer	Operation	Result
1		+ 2
2		− 2
3		× 2
4		squared

The sum of the four resulting values is 7.

Left Side	Right Side
	7 7
LS = RS

Left Side	Right Side
	7 7
LS = RS

There are two sets of solutions:

If , then the first number is .

The four consecutive odd numbers are therefore −3, −1, 1, and 3.

If , then the first number is .

The four consecutive odd numbers are therefore −13, −11, −9, and −7.

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