The sum of two consecutive integers is 71. Find the numbers.

Let n be the smaller integer.

As the two unknown numbers are consecutive, the larger integer can be expressed as
n + 1.

Use the following relationship to set up an equation:

[ the smaller integer ] + [ the larger integer ] = 71

Step 1
Let the two consecutive numbers be n and n + 1.

Step 2
Use the relationship to set up an equation.
n + n + 1 = 71

Step 3
Solve the equation for n.
n + n + 1 = 71
2n + 1 = 71
2n = 70
n = 35

So the two consecutive integers are 35 and 36.