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Thread: "Show that the sum of the first 2n natural numbers is n(2n+1)"

  1. #1

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    "Show that the sum of the first 2n natural numbers is n(2n+1)"

    Could someone help I'm not sure how to do this.

    "Show that the sum of the first 2n natural numbers is n(2n+1)"

    gracias

  2. #2
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    Re: "Show that the sum of the first 2n natural numbers is n(2n+1)"

    try mathematical induction

  3. #3
    vbuggy krtxmrtz's Avatar
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    Re: "Show that the sum of the first 2n natural numbers is n(2n+1)"

    There's an easy proof grouping the terms as follows:

    Sum = 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + (n -1) + n + (n +1) + ... + (2n - 1) + 2n =

    1 + 2n +
    2 + (2n -1) +
    3 + (2n -2) +
    ... +
    n + (2n - (n - 1))

    Now, you have a total of n sums of 2 terms, each of which is equal to 1 + 2n. Hence, Sum = n(1 + 2n)

    QED

    This is the method whereby Gauss outwitted all his school mates and his teacher.
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