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The easiest way to find the sum of first natural numbers
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Learning to add the integers from 1 to can be a helpful skill, whether you’re working on math homework or preparing for a standardized test. Since integers are whole numbers, there’s no need to worry about fractions or decimals—just decide which formula will help you answer your problem best. Then, plug the integer from the problem into the place and solve the equation. Still confused? Follow the steps and examples below.
Sum of Integers from 1 to n Formula
To find the sum of first , use this formula: S ( ) = ( +1) / 2. In this case, S equals the sum of the consecutive integers and equals the number of integers.
Steps
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Identify the arithmetic sequence. Look at the range of numbers you're trying to add together. If you'd like to use a formula to sum the integers, ensure that the numbers progress in a constant amount. [1] X Research source- For example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 is a series, and so is 17, 19, 21, 23, 25.
- You couldn't use 5, 6, 9, 11, 14 because the progression isn't constant.
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Define for your sequence. To use a formula to find the sum of 1 to , choose the largest integer to be .- For example, if you try adding all the integers from 1 to 100, will be 100 because it's the largest integer in the sequence.
- As a reminder, integers are whole numbers, so cannot be a decimal, fraction, or negative number.
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Identify how many integers you're adding. To sum the integers from your starting number to , determine how many terms you add. For example, if you're adding the first 200 integers, you'll have 200 plus 1 to equal 201 integers. [2] X Research source- If you're adding the first integers from 1 to 12, you'll have 12 plus 1 to equal 13 terms.
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Decide if you're adding exclusively. You may be asked to find the sum of a range of integers between two integers. If you're summing exclusively, you'll need to subtract 1 from your . [3] X Research source- For example, if you're finding the sum of the integers from 1 to 100 exclusively, subtract 1 from 100 to get 99.
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Define your formula for consecutive integers. Once you've defined as the largest integer you're adding, plug the number into the formula to sum consecutive integers: sum = ∗( +1)/2. [4] X Research source- For example, if you're summing the first 100 integers, plug 100 into to get 100∗(100+1)/2.
- If you're finding the first 20 integers, use 20 for . Work 20∗(20+1)/2 to get 420/2. Your answer will be 210.
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Set up a formula to calculate only even integers. If the problem asks you to find the sum of only the even integers in a sequence starting with 1, you'll need to use a different formula. Plug your highest integer into so: sum = ∗( +2)/4. [5] X Research source- For example, if the problem asks you to find the sum of even integers from 1 to 20, use 20 as . Your formula will be 20∗22/4.
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Define a formula to find the sum of odd integers. If the problem asks you to find the sum of only the odd integers, you'll need to find first. To find , add 1 to the highest number of the sequence. Then use it in this formula: sum = ( +1)∗( +1)/4. [6] X Research source- For example, to add the odd integers from 1 to 9, add 1 to 9. The equation will now look like 10∗(10)/4. Once you've worked the equation, you'll get 10∗(10)/4 to equal 25.
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QuestionWhat is the sum of the first n positive integers?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerThe formula for the sum of the first n positive integers is n(n+1)/2. This formula works for consecutive integers.
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QuestionWhat is the sum of squares formula?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerThe sum of squares is also known as the sum of squared deviation scores. The formula for calculating the sum of squares for a single set of scores is SS = ΣX^2 - ((ΣX)^2 / N).
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QuestionHow do you find the sum of n terms?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerTo find the sum of a series of arithmetic terms (that is, terms that increase or decrease by a constant amount each term), use the formula S˯n = n(a˯1 + a˯n)/2, where n is the number of terms, a˯1 is the first term in the sequence, and a˯n is the last term in the sequence.
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References
- ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/sequences-sums-arithmetic.html
- ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/sequences-sums-arithmetic.html
- ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/sequences-sums-arithmetic.html
- ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/sequences-sums-arithmetic.html
- ↑ https://www.maa.org/press/periodicals/convergence/sums-of-powers-of-positive-integers-introduction
- ↑ https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-eighth-grade-math/cc-8th-solving-equations/linear-equations-word-problems/v/sum-consecutive-integers
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To sum integers from 1 to N, start by defining the largest integer to be summed as N. Don't forget that integers are always whole and positive numbers, so N can't be a decimal, fraction, or negative number. Once you've defined the integer value of N, use the formula sum = (N × (N+1)) ÷ 2 to find the sum of all the integers between 1 and N! To learn how to use sums from 1 to N to find the sum of integers between 2 numbers, read on!
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- "It has a comprehensive explanation about how to total up the natural numbers in positive range. Besides the formula for 1 to N, it also expands the formula for cases where summing N to N is inclusive and exclusive. " ..." more
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"It has a comprehensive explanation about how to total up the natural numbers in positive range. Besides the formula for 1 to N, it also expands the formula for cases where summing N to N is inclusive and exclusive. "
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