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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

I pick two whole numbers and between and inclusive (not necessarily distinct). My friend picks two numbers and . If the product of my friend's numbers is one greater than the product of my numbers, then what is the product of my numbers?
Solution
From the information given, we can construct the following equation: . This simplifies to . We can then apply Simon's Favorite Factoring Trick and add to both sides to get . This can be factored into Since , and . Thus, the product of my two numbers is .
Final answer
54