Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Adding a series of sequential numbers...the easy way!

Have you ever had to add a series of sequential numbers?  For example, if you need to add the numbers 1 through 10.  Can you do it?  Can you do it without adding 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9? 
Let's solve this one with today's tip. 
Step 1: Add the first and last number in the sequence.  1 + 9 = 10.
Step 2: Divide that total of Step 1 by 2.  10/2 = 5.
Step 3: Multiply the answer in Step 2 times the number of numbers in the sequence.  In this example, it is 9.  9 x 5 = 45.
You solved it!  The total of 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 45.

Here's another one to try.
What is the total of the sequence of numbers from 10 to 14?
Step 1: Add the first and last number in the sequence.  10 + 14 = 24.
Step 2: Divide the total of Step 1 by 2.  24/2 = 12.
Step 3: Multiply the answer in Step 2 times the number of number in the sequence.  12 x 5 = 60.
You're right!  The total of 10 + 11 + 12 + 13+ 14 = 60!

This practical tip works every time, and will simplify your life, especially if you have a long list of sequential numbers to add.  Try it, and share this with a friend! 

No comments:

Post a Comment