There are 4 consecutive odd integers with a sum of 32. What is the value of the least integer?

1 answer

Let the four consecutive odd integers be represented as \( x, x+2, x+4, x+6 \). Here, \( x \) is the smallest of the four integers.

We can set up the equation for their sum:

\[ x + (x+2) + (x+4) + (x+6) = 32 \]

Combining like terms, we get:

\[ 4x + 12 = 32 \]

Next, we will solve for \( x \) by first subtracting 12 from both sides:

\[ 4x = 32 - 12 \]

\[ 4x = 20 \]

Now, dividing both sides by 4:

\[ x = \frac{20}{4} \]

\[ x = 5 \]

Thus, the least integer is \( x = 5 \).

To confirm, we can find the four consecutive odd integers:

  • The integers are \( 5, 7, 9, 11 \).

Calculating their sum:

\[ 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 = 32 \]

Since the sum is indeed 32, the solution is verified. Therefore, the value of the least integer is

\[ \boxed{5} \]