Math Problem Statement

The product of two consecutive even integers is 224. Find the integers.

Solution

Let the two consecutive even integers be xx and x+2x + 2.

The product of these two integers is given as 224. Therefore, the equation becomes:

x(x+2)=224x(x + 2) = 224

Expanding the equation:

x2+2x=224x^2 + 2x = 224

Rearranging it into standard quadratic form:

x2+2x224=0x^2 + 2x - 224 = 0

Now, we solve this quadratic equation using the quadratic formula. The general quadratic formula is:

x=b±b24ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

Here, a=1a = 1, b=2b = 2, and c=224c = -224. Plugging these values into the formula:

x=2±224(1)(224)2(1)x = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{2^2 - 4(1)(-224)}}{2(1)} x=2±4+8962x = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{4 + 896}}{2} x=2±9002x = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{900}}{2} x=2±302x = \frac{-2 \pm 30}{2}

Now, solving for both cases:

  1. x=2+302=282=14x = \frac{-2 + 30}{2} = \frac{28}{2} = 14
  2. x=2302=322=16x = \frac{-2 - 30}{2} = \frac{-32}{2} = -16

So, the two possible pairs of consecutive even integers are:

  1. x=14x = 14 and x+2=16x + 2 = 16
  2. x=16x = -16 and x+2=14x + 2 = -14

Thus, the two pairs of integers are 1414 and 1616, or 16-16 and 14-14.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to expand on this concept:

  1. What is the process of factoring quadratic equations?
  2. Can we solve quadratic equations without using the quadratic formula?
  3. What is the significance of discriminants in quadratic equations?
  4. How can we find the sum of consecutive even integers?
  5. How can we generalize the formula for the product of consecutive odd integers?

Tip: Always check if a quadratic equation can be factored before using the quadratic formula—it might save time!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Even Integers

Formulas

Quadratic equation formula: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a

Theorems

Quadratic Formula
Discriminant of a Quadratic Equation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9