Two consecutive numbers can be defined as x and y, but a better choice is x and x+1. . The product of the two numbers is: x(x+1). We are told this 41 more than the sum. The sum of the two numbers is: x + (x+1). . So the equation we need to solve is: . x(x+1) = x+(x+1)+41 . x^2 +x = 2x + 42 . subtract 2x from both sides . x^2 +x -2x = 2x-2x + 42 x^2 -x = 42 . subtract 42 from both sides . x^2 -x -42 = 42-42 = 0