Problema Solution

The product of two consecutive integers is 342. Which quadratic equation can be used to find x, the greater number?

1. x2 + 1 = 342

2. x2 − 1 = 342

3. x2 − x + 342 = 0

4. x2 − x − 342 = 0

Answer provided by our tutors

Let 'x' represent one integer, then 'x-1' can represent the previous consecutive integer.  They multiply as x(x-1) which expands to x^2 - x.   The equation "x^2 - x = 342" can be rearranged by subtracting 342 from both sides of the equation:

x^2 - x - 342 = 0