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Consecutive Numbers: Definition with Examples

Jo-ann Caballes

Updated on January 14, 2024

Welcome to another engaging lesson at Brighterly, where we make mathematics fun and easy to understand for children! Today, we are going to dive into the world of consecutive numbers. Consecutive numbers play a significant role in strengthening a child’s understanding of mathematics and number patterns. By exploring this topic, children will be better equipped to tackle more complex mathematical problems in the future.

What are Consecutive Numbers?

Consecutive numbers are numbers that follow each other in sequence. They differ by the same amount, which is often 1. For example, 2, 3, and 4 are consecutive numbers, as are 7, 8, and 9. Consecutive numbers can also include fractions and decimals. For instance, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 are consecutive numbers, as well. Consecutive numbers can be positive or negative, and the sequence can include both positive and negative numbers. This idea may seem simple, but understanding consecutive numbers is an essential building block for more complex mathematical concepts.

Consecutive Integers

Consecutive integers are whole numbers that follow one another in sequence, without any gaps or skipped numbers. They are always one number apart. For example, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, and 3 are consecutive integers. These sequences can be of any length, but they must always be in order.

Consecutive Integers Formula

A useful way to represent consecutive integers is through a formula. If n is an integer, then consecutive integers can be expressed as n, n+1, n+2, …, and so on. This formula can be used to solve various mathematical problems involving consecutive numbers.

Properties of Consecutive Numbers

There are several interesting properties of consecutive numbers:

1. The sum of two consecutive numbers is always odd. This is because when you add an even number and an odd number, the result is always odd. For example, 5 + 6 = 11, which is odd.

2. The sum of three consecutive numbers is always divisible by 3. This is because when you add three consecutive numbers, the sum is always three times the middle number. For example, 4 + 5 + 6 = 15, which is divisible by 3.

3. The product of any three consecutive numbers is always divisible by 6. This is because at least one of the numbers must be divisible by 2, and at least one must be divisible by 3. For example, 3 × 4 × 5 = 60, which is divisible by 6.

How to Find the Consecutive Numbers When the Sum Is Given?

To find consecutive numbers when the sum is given, follow these steps:

1. Divide the given sum by the number of consecutive numbers.
2. If the result is a whole number, the middle number of the sequence is the result.
3. If the result is a fraction, adjust the sequence by the fractional part.

For example, if the sum of three consecutive numbers is 45:

1. Divide 45 by 3, which gives 15.
2. Since 15 is a whole number, the middle number of the sequence is 15.
3. The consecutive numbers are 14, 15, and 16.

How to Find the Consecutive Numbers When the Product Is Given?

Finding consecutive numbers when the product is given can be more challenging. There is no direct formula for this, but you can use the following approach:

1. Factor the given product.
2. Determine possible sequences based on the factors.
3. Check if the sequences contain consecutive numbers.

For example, if the product of three consecutive numbers is 120:

1. The factors of 120 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 24, 30, 40, 60, and 120. 2. Possible sequences include (1, 2, 3), (2, 4, 6), (3, 5, 7), (4, 6, 8), and so on. We can eliminate some sequences because they don’t contain consecutive numbers, such as (2, 4, 6) or (4, 6, 8).

• After evaluating the possible sequences, we find that (3, 5, 7) is the sequence with consecutive numbers whose product is 120.

Solved Examples On Consecutive Numbers

Let’s explore a few examples to better understand the concept of consecutive numbers:

Example 1: Find the sum of the first 10 consecutive positive integers.

Using the consecutive integers formula, we have n = 1, n + 1 = 2, n + 2 = 3, … up to n + 9 = 10. The sum is therefore:

1 + 2 + 3 + … + 10 = (10 × 11) / 2 = 55

Example 2: Find three consecutive numbers whose sum is 72.

1. Divide 72 by 3, which gives 24.
2. Since 24 is a whole number, the middle number of the sequence is 24.
3. The consecutive numbers are 23, 24, and 25.

Practice Problems On Consecutive Numbers

1. Find the sum of the first 20 consecutive positive integers.
2. Determine four consecutive numbers whose sum is 94.
3. What are the three consecutive numbers whose product is 990?

Conclusion

At Brighterly, our goal is to provide children with the necessary tools and resources to excel in mathematics. Understanding consecutive numbers is essential for building a strong foundation in this subject. They are a simple concept that can be applied to solve various mathematical problems, from simple addition and subtraction to more advanced topics like sequences and patterns.

By learning about consecutive numbers, children can develop problem-solving skills and enhance their understanding of number patterns. This knowledge will serve them well as they progress in their mathematical journey. Remember, practice makes perfect! Encourage children to work on problems involving consecutive numbers to solidify their understanding and boost their confidence.

Thank you for choosing Brighterly as your partner in making mathematics enjoyable and accessible for children. Stay tuned for more exciting lessons that will help young minds shine even Brighterly!

Frequently Asked Questions On Consecutive Numbers

What are consecutive even numbers?

Consecutive even numbers are even numbers that follow each other in sequence, with a difference of 2 between each number. For example, 2, 4, and 6 are consecutive even numbers. Consecutive even numbers can also be negative, such as -6, -4, and -2. It is essential to understand the concept of consecutive even numbers to tackle more advanced mathematical problems involving sequences, patterns, and algebraic expressions.

What are consecutive odd numbers?

Consecutive odd numbers are odd numbers that follow each other in sequence, with a difference of 2 between each number. For example, 3, 5, and 7 are consecutive odd numbers. Consecutive odd numbers can also be negative, such as -7, -5, and -3. Understanding consecutive odd numbers is crucial for solving various mathematical problems, including those related to number patterns, sequences, and algebraic equations.

Can consecutive numbers be negative?

Yes, consecutive numbers can be negative. They follow the same pattern as positive consecutive numbers, with the difference being that they have negative values. For example, -5, -4, and -3 are consecutive numbers. This concept helps children understand the relationship between positive and negative numbers and how they can be used to solve mathematical problems.

What is the smallest sum of five consecutive numbers?

The smallest sum of five consecutive numbers is -9, which can be obtained from the sequence -4, -3, -2, -1, and 0. This sequence includes both negative and positive consecutive numbers. By understanding the concept of consecutive numbers and their sums, children can apply this knowledge to various mathematical situations, such as finding the sum of a range of numbers in a sequence or solving word problems involving consecutive numbers.

How can I help my child practice working with consecutive numbers?

There are several ways you can help your child practice working with consecutive numbers. One method is to create simple word problems that involve consecutive numbers, such as finding the sum of a sequence of consecutive numbers or determining the product of consecutive even or odd numbers. You can also encourage your child to practice with online resources, such as worksheets, videos, and interactive games, to help reinforce the concept of consecutive numbers.

Jo-ann Caballes

5 articles

As a seasoned educator with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and over three years of experience, I specialize in making mathematics accessible to students of all backgrounds through Brighterly. My expertise extends beyond teaching; I blog about innovative educational strategies and have a keen interest in child psychology and curriculum development. My approach is shaped by a belief in practical, real-life application of math, making learning both impactful and enjoyable.