Browse · MATH
Printjmc
algebra senior
Problem
For a positive integer , the triangular number is
For example, , so the third triangular number is 6.
Determine the smallest integer such that for some positive integer .
For example, , so the third triangular number is 6.
Determine the smallest integer such that for some positive integer .
Solution
The left side of the equation, , gives which simplifies to That is, is equal to , a triangular number.
Since , we are looking for the the smallest triangular number greater than 2012.
After some trial and error, we observe that and , and so or is the smallest value that works.
Since , we are looking for the the smallest triangular number greater than 2012.
After some trial and error, we observe that and , and so or is the smallest value that works.
Final answer
2015