1) While reciting Ayatul Kursi (2:255), is it optional to read verses 256 and 257 (whether a person is reciting in general, or reciting in a special Salaah)? Or does it depend on the Hadith and situation? Do scholars differ in their opinion? 2) Similarly, when books say to read the last Ayaats of Sura Baqarah, is it 2 Ayahs? Or is it 3 Ayaahs?

AAWW,

Ayatul- Kursy does not have to be accompanied with the next two Ayat, and the end of Suratul-Bakarah is the last three Ayat.