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  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Natural Sum

Age 14 to 16
Challenge Level Yellow star
  • Problem
  • Teachers' Resources

The picture illustrates the sum $1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = (4 \times5)/2$. Prove the general formula for the sum of the first $n$ natural numbers and the formula for the sum of the cubes of the first n natural numbers. See the problem Picture Story .


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Slick Summing

Watch the video to see how Charlie works out the sum. Can you adapt his method?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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