Mathematics Problem Of the Week

Spring 2007

POW 7: Addin’ up the line

Some numbers can be written as the sum of two or more consecutive positive integers: for example, 17 = 8 + 9 and 93 = 13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18.

a) Determine which numbers can and which numbers cannot be written as the sum of two or more consecutive positive integers.

b) Prove your answer to part (a).

Due Friday, March 16^th , at Noon.

Solutions should be submitted to Dr. Maegan Bos’ mailbox in the Math office or sent via e-mail to mbos@stlawu.edu

Presentation counts! The prize-winning entry will be selected from all correct submissions, based on the clarity, creativity and elegance of the solution.

Look for the SLU POW on the Web at http://it.stlawu.edu/~math/activities/