What is the difference between the sums of the first (72) and first (48) natural numbers?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 1452
The sum of the first n natural numbers is \(S_n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}\). Thus, \(S_{72}=\frac{72\times73}{2}=2628\) and \(S_{48}=\frac{48\times49}{2}=1176\). Hence, the difference is \(2628-1176=1452\). It is also the sum of the numbers from 49 to 72; an option such as 1462 results from an arithmetic error. Exam tip: for such questions, write \(S_{72}-S_{48}\) directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
1452
Why is this the correct answer?
The sum of the first n natural numbers is \(S_n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}\). Thus, \(S_{72}=\frac{72\times73}{2}=2628\) and \(S_{48}=\frac{48\times49}{2}=1176\). Hence, the difference is \(2628-1176=1452\). It is also the sum of the numbers from 49 to 72; an option such as 1462 results from an arithmetic error. Exam tip: for such questions, write \(S_{72}-S_{48}\) directly.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 Mathematics question. Chapter: Sequences and Progressions. Topic: Sum of first n natural numbers.
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