JAMB 2011 Mathematics · Question 4

The sum of four consecutive integers is 34. Find the least of these numbers

Options

Answer: A. 7

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: We need four consecutive integers (numbers that follow each other, like 5, 6, 7, 8) whose sum is 34, and then pick the smallest. Concept: Let the least integer be n. The four consecutive integers are n, n+1, n+2, n+3. Solution: n + (n+1) + (n+2) + (n+3) = 34 4n + 6 = 34 4n = 28 n = 7 The numbers would be 7, 8, 9, 10. Check: 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 = 34 ✓ Wait, 7 + 8 = 15, 15 + 9 = 24, 24 + 10 = 34. This is correct. Answer: The least number is 7, which is option A. Tip: For consecutive integers, you can quickly check by dividing the sum by the count (34 ÷ 4 = 8.5). That is the average, which sits in the middle of the four numbers, between 8 and 9. So the numbers are 7, 8, 9, 10, and the least is 7. Also, 4 numbers have a sum with an even total, so always verify by adding back.

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