Math Is Fun Forum

Mitchell

Guest

building an equation

Hi,
I am looking for an equation that will sum the number of digits of a number i.e. for 4, 1 + 2 +3 + 4 = 10 for 5, 1 +2 +3 + 4 + 5 = 15. I want to replace 4 and 5 with a variable so that any number can be added up to give an answer.

anonimnystefy

Real Member

From: Harlan's World

Registered: 2011-05-23

Posts: 16,049

Re: building an equation

So, you want the sum 1+2+3+...+(n-1)+n?

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Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,643

Re: building an equation

hi Mitchell

Welcome to the forum.

Known as the sum of counting numbers (or triangle numbers) formula,  what you want is:

The diagram below shows where it comes from.

If you stack up n then n-1, then n-2 ....... 3, 2, 1 squares it makes a sort of right angled triangle.

Then make the same again but turn this stack up-side-down and slot it into the triangle to make a rectangle.

The rectangle is 'n' high and n+1 wide so its area is n(n+1).

But we've made twice the sum you want, so divide by 2.

That's it. 

Bob

Last edited by Bob (2013-12-16 09:39:16)

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