Solve the problem. The sum of two consecutive integers is -371. Find the larger integer.

-187
-186
-184
-185

 -185  (choice D)

Explanation:

Note how x+1 follows immediately after x. That's what "consecutive" means by definition. An example of consecutive integers would be 7,8,9,10.

Adding those two said integers will lead to -371

first+second = -371

x+(x+1) = -371

2x+1 = -371

2x = -371-1

2x = -372

x = -372/2

x = -186

x+1 = -186+1 = -185

Note how -186+(-185) = -371 to confirm the answer.

The two consecutive integers that add to -371 are -186, -185. The larger of the two is -185 since it's more to the right on the number line.