The sum of two numbers that differ by one is x. In terms of x, what is the value of the lesser of the two numbers?

a. x+1/2
b. x/2
c. x-1/2
d. x/2 -1
e. 2x+1/2

2 answers

smaller number n
larger number n+1

n + n+1 = x
2n = x-1
n = (x-1)/2

none of your given answers are correct, unless you meant to type c) as (x-1)/2
n+(n+1)=x
2n+1=x
2n=x-1
n is the lesser of two numbers