1/3 of sum of 2 consec. odd integers is 5 less than...

[sandyk109]

One third of the sum of two consecutive odd integers is five less than the smaller integer. Find both integers.

1/3[n + (n +2)] = n- 5

2n + 2 = n- 5 *3

n = -17

The correct answer in the back of the book is 17 and 19.
But I keep coming up with the negative answer.

Please help

 

[TchrWill]

Re: Beginning Algebra

One third of the sum of two consecutive odd integers is five less than the smaller integer. Find both integers.

1/3[n + (n +2)] = n- 5

2n + 2 = n- 5 *3

n = -17

The correct answer in the back of the book is 17 and 19.

Get rid of the fraction by multiplying through by 3 yielding[n + (n + 2)] = 3n - 15

2n + 2 = 3n - 15

n = +17