We know that, Average = (sum of n numbers)/n ∴ Average of 5 consecutive numbers = (n + n + 1 + n + 2 + n + 3 + n + 4)/5 = m ⇒ n = m – 2 - - - (i) Thus, the average of 7 consecutive integers starting with (n – 2) = (n – 2 + n – 1 + n + n + 1 + n + 2 + n + 3 + n + 4)/7 = n + 1 = m – 1 - - - (∵ eq. (i))