Browse · MATH Print → jmc algebra intermediate Problem Suppose 2a−3b=−23. Given that a and b are consecutive integers, and a<b, what is the value of a? Solution — click to reveal Note that b=a+1. Substituting, we obtain 2a−3(a+1)=−23. Note that 2a−3(a+1)=2a−3a−3=−a−3. Since −a−3=−23, we have that a=20. Final answer 20 ← Previous problem Next problem →