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Bunuel
\(1+2+3+......+n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}\)

For each integer n greater than 1, the sum of the first n positive integers is given by the formula shown.

If the average (arithmetic mean) of the first n positive integers is k, what is the sum of the first n positive integers in terms of k?

A. \(k^2−k\)

B. \(k^2−k^2\)

C. \(k^2+k^2\)

D. \(2k^2−k\)

E. \(4k^2+2k\)

We can assume three numbers and find the value

Say 1, 2, 3

k = 2; S = 6

A. \(k^2−k\) = 4 - 2 = 2

B. \(k^2−k^2\) = 0

C. \(k^2+k^2\) = 4 + 4 = 8

D. \(2k^2−k\) = 8 - 2 = 6

E. \(4k^2+2k\) = 16 + 4 = 20

D matches the expected value.

Option D
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\(1+2+3+......+n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}\)

For each integer n greater than 1, the sum of the first n positive integers is given by the formula shown.

If the average (arithmetic mean) of the first n positive integers is k, what is the sum of the first n positive integers in terms of k?

Average of first n positive integers= k = (n+1)/2

n = 2k -1

Sum of first n positive integers = n(+1)/2 = (2k-1)2k/2 = 2k^2-k

IMO D
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