The product of two consecutive odd numbers is 399. What are the numbers?
19 and 21.
17 and 19.
21 and 23.
25 and 27.
Detailed Explanation
The fastest way to solve this would be to simply multiply the possible choices together (19 × 21 = 399). You can also solve this with algebra. Let x equal the first number and x + 2 the second number.
x(x + 2) = 399
\(x^2 + 2x = 399\) (Note: This is a quadratic equation that can be solved by setting it equal to zero and factoring.)
\(x^2 + 2x - 399 = 0\)
(x – 19)(x + 21) = 0
x – 19 = 0 or x + 21 = 0
x = 19 or x = –21
x + 2 = 21 or x + 2 = –19
Two solutions are possible: 19 and 21, and –21 and –19. Because the latter pair isn’t one of the answer choices, the first pair is the correct answer.
Take more free practice tests for other ASVAB topics with our ASVAB practice test now!