### Pair Sums

Five numbers added together in pairs produce: 0, 2, 4, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 What are the five numbers?

### Weekly Problem 16 - 2012

Weekly Problem 16 - 2012

### Weekly Problem 47 - 2013

Weekly Problem 47 - 2013

# Consecutive Negative Numbers

##### Stage: 3 Challenge Level:

Do you notice anything about the solutions when you add and/or subtract consecutive negative numbers?

Take, for example, four consecutive negative numbers, say $$^-7, ^-6, ^-5, ^-4$$ Now place $+$ and/or $-$ signs between them.

e.g. $$^-7 + ^-6 + ^-5 + ^-4$$ $$^-7 - ^-6 + ^-5 - ^-4$$

There are other possibilities. Try to list all of them.

Now work out the solutions to the various calculations.

e.g. $$^-7 + ^-6 + ^-5 + ^-4 = ^-22$$ $$^-7 - ^-6 + ^-5 - ^-4 = ^-2$$ Choose a different set of four consecutive negative numbers and repeat the process.

Take a look at both sets of solutions. Notice anything?
Can you explain any similarities?

Can you predict some of the solutions you will get when you start with a different set of four consecutive negative numbers?
Test out any conjectures you may have.

Try to explain and justify your findings.