Number problem solving 4
- Question:
- Three consecutive integers are listed in increased order. If their product is 336. What is the second integer in the list?
- Solution:
- Use the factoring method to find these numbers.
- 336 ÷ 2 = 168
- 168 ÷ 2 = 84
- 84 ÷ 2 = 42
- 42 ÷ 2 = 21
- 21 ÷ 3 = 7
- so 336 = (2)(2)(2)(2)(3)(7) = 23 × 2 × 3 × 7
- since 23 = 8
- so, 336 = 8 × 6 × 7
- the list of the numbers in increasing order is 6, 7, 8
- So, the second integer in the list is 7.
The product of three consecutive integers is 336. Factoring the number 336, find that 6 × 7 × 8 is equal to 336. So, the three integers in increase order are
6, 7, and 8. The second integer is 7.