Q5: The sum of two consecutive integers

October 15, 2026

2018 Test A Math · Question 5 of 57

The sum of two consecutive integers is −15. If 1 is added to the smaller integer and 2 is subtracted from the larger integer, what is the product of the two resulting integers?

Grid-in question: work out the answer and enter it as a number.

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Correct answer: 63

If x is the smaller consecutive integer, then

$x+1$

is the larger consecutive integer. Use their sum (−15) to find x:

$x(x+1)=-15$

$2x+1=-15$

$2x=-16$

$x=-8$

The two consecutive integers are −8 and −7. One is added to the smaller integer:

$-8+1=-7$

and 2 is subtracted from the larger integer:

$-7-2=-9$

Find the product:

$(-7)(-9)=63$