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The Story Problem

Part of the Fundamentals section of Coddy's Algebra journey. Lesson 61 of 61.

The last challenge is a word problem. Consecutive even numbers are 2 apart, so if the smaller one is $n$ , the larger one is $n+2$ . Write their sum as an equation, collect the like terms, undo the addition, then divide. Finally, check the answer against the story: make sure the two numbers add up to the given total and that both are even.

Challenge

Hard

Two consecutive even numbers add up to 46. Writing their sum gives $n+n+2 = 46$ . Solve for the smaller number, $n$ .

Try it yourself

n+n+2 = 46

Get $n$ alone

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Fundamentals

1What an Equation Is

The Equation The Same to Both Sides Undoing Subtraction Recap: First Equations

4Two-Step Equations

Two Layers to Undo Subtract, Then Divide Add, Then Divide A Division Inside Negatives in Two Steps Recap: Two-Step Equations

7Fractions in Equations

A Fraction Coefficient Clearing One Denominator Two Denominators A Fraction Around a Sum Cross-Multiplying Recap: Fractions

10From Words to Equations

Phrases into Expressions Sentences into Equations Consecutive Numbers Age and Money A Perimeter Problem Recap: Words

3Negative Numbers

Below Zero A Negative Answer Negative Coefficients The Opposite of x Recap: Negatives

6Variables on Both Sides

x on Both Sides Gathering the x's Numbers and x's Everywhere Parentheses on One Side When x Is Negative Recap: Both Sides

9Special Cases

No Solution Always True Checking a Solution Recap: Special Cases

12Final Challenges

Parentheses on Both Sides Fractions and x's Decimals on Both SidesThe Story Problem