QUESTION

CSAT

Hard

Maths

Prelims 2022

The sum of three consecutive integers is equal to their product. How many such possibilities are there?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Let the three consecutive integers be represented as x1x-1, xx, and x+1x+1.

According to the problem, the sum of these integers is equal to their product: (x1)+x+(x+1)=(x1)×x×(x+1)(x-1) + x + (x+1) = (x-1) \times x \times (x+1)

Simplifying the left-hand side: (x1)+x+(x+1)=3x(x - 1) + x + (x + 1) = 3x

Simplifying the right-hand side: (x1)×x×(x+1)=x(x21)=x3x(x - 1) \times x \times (x + 1) = x(x^2 - 1) = x^3 - x

Now, equating both sides: 3x=x3x3x = x^3 - x

Rearranging the equation: x34x=0x^3 - 4x = 0

Factoring out x: x(x24)=0x(x^2 - 4) = 0

This gives two possible factors: x=0x = 0 or x24=0x^2 - 4 = 0

Solving x24=0x^2 - 4 = 0: x2=4x=2x^2 = 4 \rightarrow x = 2 or x=2x = -2

Thus, the possible values for x are 0, 2, and -2.

Conclusion: There are 3 such possibilities: x=0x = 0, x=2x = 2, and x=2x = -2.

Hence, the correct answer is C. Only three.

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