Simple Algebra Problem: Finding the Product of Consecutive Even Integers

[kuahji]

Ok, I have a simple algebra problem I need help with.

The problem states "The product of two consecutive even integers is 48."
So I wrote the equation out as x(x+2)=48. If I factor that I should get x^2+2x=48? Then divide 48 by 2x & get 24. Then squard root of 24? What step am I doing incorrect? I've been racking my brain on this problem for like a half an hour (this is what I get for being out of school for 4 years). I mean the answer is simple 6 x 8 = 48. But, I would like to know the steps. Any help is appreciated.

 

[d_leet]

Ok, I have a simple algebra problem I need help with.

The problem states "The product of two consecutive even integers is 48."
So I wrote the equation out as x(x+2)=48. If I factor that I should get x^2+2x=48? Then divide 48 by 2x & get 24. Then squard root of 24? What step am I doing incorrect? I've been racking my brain on this problem for like a half an hour (this is what I get for being out of school for 4 years). I mean the answer is simple 6 x 8 = 48. But, I would like to know the steps. Any help is appreciated.

ok so you have
x(x+2) = 48
x^2 +2x = 48

The thing is that you can't just divide by 2x and get x^2 = 24
rewrite the equation as
x^2 + 2x - 48 = 0

then use the quadratic equation to solve for x, and take the solution that fits the problem's description.

 

[kuahji]

ok so you have
x(x+2) = 48<br /> x^2 +2x = 48
The thing is that you can't just divide by 2x and get x^2 = 24
rewrite the equation as
x^2 + 2x - 48 = 0
then use the quadratic equation to solve for x, and take the solution that fits the problem's description.

Ok, brilliant. Thanks much for your help. It is greatly appreciated . The algebra rules are slowly coming back to me.

 

[Mindscrape]

Yeah, if you divide x^2 + 2x = 48 by 2x then you get:

\frac {1}{2}x + 1 = \frac {24}{x}

Doesn't really get you anywhere. You have to factor to:
(x-6)(x+8) = 0

 

[Aditya89]

One more way. x^2+2x=(x+1)^2-1. So, (x+1)^2=49 So, x+1=(+/-)7