SAT Math: Sum of Consecutive Integers (w/ example)
February 6, 2009 by Adam
Filed under All Posts, Examples & Exercises, Math, SAT Strategies
Consecutive integer questions typically tell you the sum total of a group of consecutive integers and then ask you to find one of these integers.
To handle sum of consecutive integer questions:
- First divide the sum by the number of integers to get the midpoint of the sequence.
- Then count up or down from this midpoint to find the integer asked for by the question.
Example:
The sum of five, consecutive odd integers is 195. What is the greatest of these integers?
(A) 33
(B) 36
(C) 39
(D) 43
(E) 71
Answer in the Comments.
Answer:
Divide the sum total (195) by the number of integers (5) to get the midpoint (39).
The set of five consecutive odd integers with a midpoint of 39 is: 35, 37, 39, 41, 43.
Since 43 is the largest of these, D is the correct answer.