Question: 7 Consecutive Integers

Comment on 7 Consecutive Integers

Incase we take the numbers as even or odd integers, in that case their difference from mean would be different. So, If at all an even or odd integer needs to be taken, then it would be mentioned in the question right?
greenlight-admin's picture

That's correct.

If the question reads "consecutive integers," then it means successive integers (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,...)

If the test-maker wants us to consider ODD or EVEN integers only, then that will be clearly stated in the question.

Cheers,
Brent

In fact, the ETS writers should include in their directions something to the effect of, "By consecutive, do not assume that we mean ODD or EVEN." Just like how they have for the geometry questions, "Assume figures are not drawn to scale." Well, something like that has to be put in for the "consecutive" terminology..."Use of the term 'consecutive' does not imply ODD OR EVEN unless explicitly stated." That MUST be part of their directions. Otherwise, I can't see a question like this on the GRE as it is worded. In case I do see a question like this where it could be consecutive even or odd, I will flag it and let them know.
greenlight-admin's picture

It's unlikely the test-makers will add the text you're hoping for.
Just know that if/when you see "CONSECUTIVE INTEGERS" on the GRE, this refers to integers that have a difference of 1 (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, ...)
In other words, if a question doesn't mention EVEN or ODD, don't read EVEN/ODD into the question.

Also keep in mind that ODDs and EVENs aren't the only integers that can be considered consecutive. For example, a question might mention "CONSECUTIVE multiples of 5", or "CONSECUTIVE prime numbers"

As you can imagine, it would be difficult to write a proviso that rules out every possible type of CONSECUTIVE.

Thank you :)

I agree with the previous commenter on here, particularly about whether the test writers will explicitly state consecutive even or odd integers. This is what threw me off, and I bet a ton of other people would reason this way as well. I still think the answer is D. In a case like this, I doubt this would be a question that ETS would approve of. They would likely put consecutive EVEN or ODD into this question to prevent any kind of questioning (because let's face it...I would CERTAINLY be the type to flag this question)
greenlight-admin's picture

If the test-makers want you to consider consecutive integers that are ODD or EVEN, they will definitely state state so. If the test-makers I want you to consider integers that differ by 1 (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6...), they will just write "consecutive integers"

Here's an official question with "consecutive integers": https://gre.myprepclub.com/forum/three-consecutive-integers-have-a-sum-o...

Here's an official question with "consecutive ODD integers": https://gre.myprepclub.com/forum/r-s-and-t-are-three-consecutive-odd-int...

Without these guidelines, a question featuring "consecutive integers" would look like this:
Three consecutive integers have a sum of −84. Please note that the 3 consecutive integers are:
- not consecutive ODD integers
- not consecutive EVEN integers
- not consecutive PRIME numbers
- not consecutive MULTIPLES of 5
- not consecutive MULTIPLES of 3
- not consecutive MULTIPLES of 7
etc

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