a, b, c, d, and e are positive consecutive integers and a < b < c < d < e.
If the sum of a + b is one less than e, and the product of ab is one more than d, then what is the value of c?
Choose the correct answer:
A) 3	B) 4	C) 5	D) 6	E) 7

Rationale: since the integers are consecutive , we can write each as the previous integer + 1 . for example , b = a + 1 , and c = b + 1 . we can also reverse this : a + 1 = b , and b + 1 = c . since ab = d + 1 , we can also write this ab = e . since a + b = e - 1 , then a + b = ab - 1 . find the pair of consecutive integers whose sum is one less than its product . these numbers are 2 and 3 ( sum : 5 ; product : 6 ) . now that we know how the series starts , we can find the value of c . if the first two numbers are 2 and 3 , the third number is 4 ( option b ) .
Answer: B