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Mathematics vocabulary · Word Problems

Consecutive

Meaning in mathematics, with examples

/kənˈsekjətɪv/adjectiveCommon term

In mathematics, consecutive means: Following one after another in order with no gaps; 7, 8 and 9 are consecutive integers, and 4, 6 and 8 are consecutive even numbers.

In Turkish: ardışık, art arda

How it is used

A favourite of word problems: 'the sum of three consecutive integers is 72'. Write them as n, n + 1, n + 2, or as n, n + 2, n + 4 for consecutive even or odd numbers. It is also used in everyday English: 'for the third consecutive year'.

Example sentences

  1. The sum of three consecutive integers is 72. Find the numbers.

  2. The product of two consecutive integers is always even.

Common collocations

  • consecutive integers
  • consecutive even numbers
  • consecutive odd numbers
  • consecutive terms
  • integerA whole number that can be positive, negative or zero, such as −3, 0 or 25, with no fractional or decimal part.
  • sumThe result you get when you add two or more numbers together; for example, the sum of 4 and 6 is 10.
  • word problemA maths question written as a short story or real-life situation, which you must turn into numbers or equations before solving it.
  • at leastNot less than a given number, so the true value may be equal to it or larger; 'at least 5' means 5 or more, written ≥ 5.

More terms: Word Problems

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