Number puzzles (consecutive numbers), and checking that an answer fits the story
Grade 9 Math Worksheet - Challenge Me

Circle the best answer, or write your answer on the line.
Jun picks three consecutive positive integers. The product of the two smaller is 12 more than 6 times the largest. What is the smallest?
Kira picks three consecutive even integers. The square of the largest is 52 more than the product of the other two. What is the smallest?
Luz picks three consecutive positive odd integers. The squares of the smallest and the largest add to 152 more than twice the middle one. What is the smallest?
Noah says two consecutive integers can have a product of 100. Can this happen?
- No: 9 × 10 = 90 and 10 × 11 = 110, so 100 is skipped
- Yes: any total works for consecutive products
- Yes: n ≈ 9.5, so the numbers are 9.5 and 10.5
- Yes: n = 10 gives 10 × 11 = 110, which is close enough to 100
Pia says two consecutive integers can have squares that add to 61. Can this happen?
- No: 61 is not a perfect square, so it cannot be a sum of squares
- Yes: n = 5.5, halfway between the sides
- No: a sum of two squares must be even
- Yes: n = 5, since 5² + 6² = 25 + 36 = 61
Tala says two consecutive odd integers can have a product of 195. Can this happen?
- Yes: n = 13, since 13 × 15 = 195
- No: 195 cannot be split into two equal numbers
- No: a product of consecutive numbers must be even
- Yes: n = 14, the middle of 13 and 15
Zee has $75. Entry to a fair costs $12, and each ride ticket costs $2.50. At most how many whole tickets can Zee buy?
A lift holds 450 kg. A cart weighs 35 kg and each box weighs 60 kg. At most how many whole boxes can Ari load on the cart?
Bo has $11 and saves $4 each week for a $50 gift. What is the fewest whole weeks until Bo has enough?
A trip has 135 students and 27 adults. Each bus holds 40 people. What is the fewest whole buses Esme must book?

