The left and right page numbers of an open book are two consecutive integers whose sum is 293.  find these page numbers. the smaller page number is : the larger page number is:

Since they are consecutive, we can define the two unknowns with ease.

The left page (has a smaller value) can be defined as X, and the right page can be defined as X+1.

So,

X + (X+1) = 293

2x+1 = 293

2x = 292

x = 146

So, as we defined before, the smaller page number is equal to x.  Therefore, the smaller page number is 146, and the larger page number is 147.

arrange the equations with like terms in columns.

analyze the coefficients of x or y.

add the equations and solve for the remaining variable.

substitute the value into either equation and solve.

check the solution.

step-by-step explanation: