Firstly, let’s have a look at what five consecutive numbers are. Five consecutive numbers are simply five numbers that come one after another, so they could be 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 or 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Now let’s get into the tips on how to quickly add them together.
The first tip is to use mental math. Mental math is simply doing math in your head without the use of a calculator or pen and paper. Instead of writing down the numbers or using a calculator, try to visualize the numbers in your head and add them together mentally. This tip is not only quick but it also improves your mental arithmetic skills.
The second tip is to use the formula (n*(n+1))/2. This formula helps you to quickly add any consecutive numbers. In this case, n represents the first number in the sequence. So if the sequence is 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, n would be 1. If the sequence is, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, n would be 10. You would then substitute this value into the formula and solve it, as follows:
For the first sequence:
n = 1
(1*(1+1))/2 = (1*2)/2 = 1
1+2+3+4+5 = 15
For the second sequence:
n = 10
(10*(10+1))/2 = (10*11)/2 = 55
10+11+12+13+14 = 60
The third tip is to start with the second and third numbers in the sequence, since they add up to the first number plus two. Then, add the first and fifth numbers separately, and finally add all three sums together. This method is also known as “pairing the numbers”.
For the first sequence:
2+3=5 (First and last numbers)
1+5=6 (First and last numbers)
4 (Sum of second and third numbers in the sequence)
5+6+4 = 15 (Add all three sums together)
For the second sequence:
11+12=23 (First and last numbers)
10+14=24 (First and last numbers)
13 (Sum of second and third numbers in the sequence)
23+24+13 = 60 (Add all three sums together)
In conclusion, adding five consecutive numbers can be quick and easy if you follow these tips. Whether you choose to use mental math, the formula or pairing the numbers, with a little bit of practice, adding five consecutive numbers will become second nature to you. So the next time you’re faced with this task, impress your friends or colleagues with your quick arithmetic skills!