Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 3, No.

4, November 2015 Part V

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Asia Pacific Journal of

On Triangular and Trapezoidal Numbers Multidisciplinary Research
Vol. 3 No. 4, 76-81
Pearl Joyce Berana1, Jomari Montalbo2, Daryl Magpantay3 November 2015 Part V
1,2,3
Batangas State University, Main Campus I, Batangas City, Philippines P-ISSN 2350-7756
1
[email protected], [email protected], E-ISSN 2350-8442
3
[email protected] www.apjmr.com
Date Received: September 30, 2015; Date Revised: November 3, 2015

Abstract –The nth triangular number, denoted by T (n), is defined as the sum of the first
consecutive positive integers. It can be represented in the form of a triangular grid of points. As
a result, this study discusses the triangular numbers and its properties. To distinguish whether a
positive integer N is a triangular number or not, it has to comply with 8N + 1 which is a perfect
square; characteristics of odd and even triangular numbers; sum of two consecutive triangular
numbers with same parity i.e., the formula for T (4c  1)  T (4c)  (4c) 2 where c ≥ 1 and
T (4c  1)  T (4c  2)  (4c  2) 2 where c ≥ 0; and introduces the new figurative numbers through
deriving the formula of triangular number, Trapezoidal Number- an integer of T (n)  1 , denoted
by T* (n)and Diamond Number- an integer of 2T (n)  n , denoted by D (n).

Keywords: Triangular numbers, Odd and Even Triangular numbers, Parity of triangular
numbers, Trapezoidal number, Diamond number

INTRODUCTION formula for the sum of an odd number of consecutive

Triangular numbers, in fact, is a family of triangular numbers, i.e.
numbers. They are figurate numbers that can be able 2 k 1 k
k (k  1)(2k  1)
to characterize as a standard and distinct geometric T (n )  T (n  i)  (2k  1)T (n) 
i 1
i
i  k 6
,and
pattern. For many centuries, the triangular numbers the formula for the sum of an even number of
have equally fascinated and puzzled scholars around consecutive triangular number, i.e.
the world. The triangular numbers are so named since 2k 2 k 1
k
they correspond to the number of dots or other object 
i 1
T (ni )   T (n  1)  2kT (n  k  1)  kn  (k 2  3k  1)
i 0 3
that build up the shape of an equilateral triangle [1].
Bounding to the fore of present day, triangular . Hence, for any natural numbers n1, n2, n3, . . ., nr, r ≥ 2,
numbers have developed as an essential function of the generalized formula for finding the triangular
education. number of the product of r natural numbers is given
This paper is anchored on a research paper “On by
the Generalized Formula for the Triangular Number of  r  r r r
the Sum and Product of Natural Numbers” which was T   ni   T (ni )   T (nk  1)T (n j ) 
presented by Jonjie M. Catibog in March 2012 at De  i 1  i 1 i 1 k  i , i 2
i  i2 j  i ,i2
La Salle Lipa. This study simplifies the formulas for r r r r
the triangular number of the sum and product of r
i 1
  T (n
k  i , i 2 , i3 , i 4
k  1)T (n j )  ... 
i 1
  T (n
k  i , i 2 ,...,i r 1i r
k  1)T (n j ).
natural numbers. For any natural numbers i  i 2  i3  i 4 j  i , i 2 , i 3 , i 4 i  i 2 ...i r 1 j  i , i 2 ,...,i r 1 , i r
n1 , n2 , n3 ,..., nr , r  2 , the generalized formula for
the triangular number of the sum of r natural number Applications of triangular numbers, such as the
is given by Twelve Days of Christmas and counting the number
 r  r r 1 r
of edges and diagonals of polygons, are presented in
T   ni    T (ni )    ni n j
 i 1  i 1 i 1 j i 1
. this exposition. This study was tied in the article “A
The formula for the triangular number of the generalization of the formula for the triangular
sum of r natural numbers is utilized to generalize the number of the sum and product of natural numbers”
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 Montalbo et al., On Triangular and Trapezoidal Numbers
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which was published in International Journal of n(n  1)

T (n)  1  2  3  ...  n 
Mathematical Education in Science and Technology 2
in October 2008. This was authored by Dr. Muniru A. Proof. Using the principle of mathematical induction
Asiru [2] of the Department of Mathematics and on n, we show
Statistics of the Federal Polytechnic at Niger State, n(n  1)
T ( n)  .
Nigeria. 2
This paper examined a special type of figurate
i.) For n=1, we obtain 1  1(2) =1.
number, the triangular number. In general, a triangular 2
number is the number of dots that can be arranged to Hence, T (1) is true.
form an equilateral triangle. One purpose of this study ii.) Assume that for n=1, 2, 3, …, k
is to provide a comprehensive explanation of this type k (k  1)
T (k )  1  2  3  ...  k 
of number. Though these numbers are often called the 2
sum of the first n consecutive positive integers is true. We want to show that
throughout discussions, they are rarely considered as a (k  1)(k  2)
T (k  1)  1  2  3  ...  (k  1) 
particular type of number. This also aims to present 2
the characteristics of odd and even triangular numbers is also true.
and new approach in finding the formulas for the sum Now,
of two consecutive triangular numbers with same T (k  1)  1  2  3  ...  k  (k  1)
parity and introduce new figurative numbers.  (1  2  3  ...  k )  (k  1)
This study aimed to present the triangular
k (k  1)
numbers. Specifically, this study provides clear   (k  1)
understanding that intends to: (1) Discuss the 2
By simplifying, we get
triangular numbers and its properties (2) Present the
k 2  k  2(k  1)
characteristics of odd and even triangular numbers (3) T (k  1) 
Discuss the formulas for the sum of two consecutive 2
triangular numbers with same parity (4) and to k 2  k  2k  2

introduce new figurative numbers; trapezoidal 2
numbers and diamond numbers. k 2  3k  2

2
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION (k  1)(k  2)

Triangular Numbers and Its Properties 2
(By Hypothesis of Induction)
This part provides a comprehensive explanation Thus, T (k  1) holds. By Principle of Mathematical
about triangular numbers and its properties: definition, induction, the above formula is true for all n≥1.
theorems and examples.
Corollary 3.1.1 For each natural number n ≥ 1, the
Definition 3.1.1 A triangular number T (n) is a
integer  n  1 is the nth triangular number.
figurate number that can be represented in the form of  2 
 
a triangular grid of points
n n!
Proof. By definition,   
Remarks. The nth triangular number can also be  k  k!(n  k )!
defined as the sum of the first n consecutive natural Thus,
numbers, i.e.  n  1 (n  1)!
  
 2  2![(n  1)  2)]!
n
T (n)   i  1  2  3  ...  n
i 1 (n  1)!

2(n  1)!
The theorem below gives a necessary condition for
(n  1)(n)(n  1)!
the triangular numbers. 
2(n  1)!
Theorem 3.1.1 For any natural number n, the nth  n  1 n(n  1)
 2    T ( n)
triangular number is defined by   2
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 Montalbo et al., On Triangular and Trapezoidal Numbers
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The theorem below gives a necessary condition for the 8 N  1  2k  1

2

sum of two consecutive triangular numbers.

 (2k  1)(2k  1)
Theorem 3.1.2 The sum of two consecutive triangular  4k 2  4k  1
numbers is always a perfect square. Subtracting 1 from both sides, we have
Proof. Let n  Z+, 8 N  1  1  4k 2 4k  1  1
n(n  1) (n  1)(n  2)
T (n)  T (n  1)   8 N  4 k 2  4k
2 2
Factoring out the greatest common divisor on the right
n  n n  n  2n  2
2 2
  side,
2 2 8N  4k (k  1)
n  n  n  3n  2
2 2
 Dividing both sides by 8, we have
2 k (k  1)
2n  4n  2
2 N
 2
2
Since k  Z  , N is a triangular number.
2(n  2n  1)
2

2
 n  2n  1
2
An immediate consequence of the above theorem is
 n  1
2
given below.
Remark. The sum of two consecutive triangular Corollary 3.1.2 Let n be a positive integer. Then,
numbers T (n) and T (n  1) is the square of (n  1) .
8[T (n)]  1  2n  1 .
2
The theorem below gives a necessary condition
for T (n) which is a perfect square.
Odd and Even Triangular Numbers
Theorem 3.1.3 A natural number N is a triangular This section provides discussions about odd and even
number if and only if 8N + 1 is a perfect square. triangular numbers.
Proof.  Suppose N is a triangular number. We
show 8N+1 is a perfect square. Then there exist a Definition 3.2.1 Let n  Z  . If T (n) is even, then it
positive integer n such that N = T (n). By Theorem is called even triangular number,denoted by Te (n) .
3.1.1,
Definition 3.2.2 Let n  Z+. If T (n) is odd, then it is
n(n  1)
N  T ( n)  called odd triangular number,denoted by To (n) .
2
Multiplying both sides of the equation by 8, The theorem below gives a necessary condition
we have for T (n) to be even.
n(n  1) Theorem 3.2.1 Let n  Z+. If 4 | n, then Te (n) .
8N  8 
2 Proof. Suppose 4 | n, then there exits an integer c such
8 N  4n(n  1) that n  4c . It follows that
T (n)  T (4c)
8 N  4n 2  4n 4c(4c  1)
8 N  1  4n 2  4n  1 T (4c) 
2
8 N  1  (2n  1) 2 
16c  4c
2

2
Hence, 8N  1 is a perfect square.  4c 2  c 
 Assume 8N  1 is a perfect square. We show  4
 2 


N is a triangular number. Since 8N is even, it  2(4c 2  c)

follows that 8N + 1 is odd.
Since 8N + 1 is odd and a perfect square, then Observe that 4c  c is an integer. Hence, e
2
T (n) .
there exist k  Z such that
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The theorem below gives a necessary condition for T Theorem 3.2.4 Let n be a positive odd integer. If
(n) to be odd. 4 | n  1, then To (n) .
Proof: Suppose 4 | n+1. By Division of Algorithm, n
Theorem 3.2.2 Let n is even integer. If 4 | n, then
+ 1 is exactly one of the form 4c  1 , 4c  2 or 4c  3
To (n) .
. Since n is odd, then n  1 is even. Hence,
Proof: Suppose 4 | n, by Division of Algorithm, n is n  1  4c  2 . This implies that n  4c  1. Now,
either 4c  1,4c  2 or 4c  3 , for some c  Z . Since n T (n)  T (4c  1)
is even, then n  4c  2 . It follows that (4c  1)(4c  1  1)
T ( n )  T ( 4c  2) T (4c  1) 
2
(4c  2)(4c  2  1)
T ( 4c  2)  (4c  1)(4c  2)
2 
(4c  2)(4c  3) 2

2 16c 2  4c  8c  2
16c 2  8c  12c  6

 2
2
16c  12c  2
2


16c 2  20c  6 
2 2
 8c 2  10c  3   8c  6c  1 
2
 2   2 
 2   2 
 8c 2  10c  3
 8c 2  6c  1
 8c  10c  2  1
2

 2(4c 2  3c)  1
 2(4c 2  5c  1)  1 (4c  5c  1) where (4c 2  3c)
2
Since is an integer.
is an integer, say q. Hence, T (n) is 2q  1 . Therefore Hence, T (n) is odd.
T (n) is odd. Corollary 3.2.2 Let n  Z  . Then, T (4n + 1) is an
odd integer.
Theorem 3.2.3 Let n be a positive odd integer. If
4 | n  1, then Te (n) . Sum of Two Consecutive Triangular Numbers with
same Parity
Proof: Let n  Z  . If 4 | n+1, then there exits an The theorem below gives necessary
integer c such that n  1  4c . It follows that condition for two consecutive even triangular numbers
T (n)  T (4c  1)
with same parity.
(4c  1)(4c  1  1)
T (4c  1) 
2 Theorem 3.3.1 For any two even triangular numbers,
(4c  1)(4c)
 T (4c  1) and T (4c) , then
2
16c  4c
2 T (4c  1) + T (4c) = (4c)2, where c ≥ 1.

2 Proof. By Theorem 3.2.1 and Theorem 3.2.3, we have
 4c 2  c  (4c  1)(4c  1  1) (4c)(4c  1)
 4  T (4c  1)  T (4c)  
2 2
 2 
(4c  1)(4c) (4c)(4c  1)

 2 4c 2  c  
2

2
Since 4c  c is an integer. Hence T (n) is even.
2
16c  4c 16c  4c
2 2
 
2 2
An immediate consequence of the above theorem 16c 2  16c 2  4c  4c
is given below. 
2
32c 2
Corollary 3.2.1 T (4c  1) is even triangular number, 
2
for each integer c  1 .  16c 2
 (4c) 2

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The theorem below gives necessary condition for the researchers drawn conclusions as per the purpose
two consecutive odd triangular numbers with same of the study. To distinguish whether a positive integer
parity.
N is a triangular number or not, it has to comply with
8N + 1 which is a perfect square. And for any two
Theorem3.3.2 For any two odd triangular numbers,
T (4c  1) and T (4c  2) , then consecutive triangular numbers, its sum is always a
T (4c+1) + T (4c+2) = (4c2+2)2, where c ≥ 0. perfect square.
Proof. By Theorem 3.2.2 and Theorem 3.2.4, we have A further underlying principle of this research
(4c  1)(4c  1  1) (4c  2)(4c  2  1) presents the characteristics of odd and even triangular
T (4c  1)  T (4c  2)  
2 2 numbers and based on the results, the researchers
(4c  1)(4c  2) (4c  2)(4c  3)
  acquired discussions to characterize the odd and even
2 2
16c  8c  4c  2 16c 2  12c  8c  6
2 triangular numbers and thus, any positive integer n,
  where 4 | n and 4 | n + 1 has been proved in
2 2
16c  12c  2 16c 2  20c  6
2
distinguishing the even triangular number and 4 | n
 
2 2 and 4 | n + 1 for odd triangular numbers. Through this
16c 2  16c 2  12c  20c  2  6 study, the researchers scrutinized formulas for two

2
consecutive triangular numbers with same parity. For
32c 2  32c  8
 any two even triangular numbers, and T (4c), then T
2
 16c 2  16c  4 (4c – 1) + T (4c) = (4c)2 and for any two odd
 (4c  2) 2 triangular numbers, T (4c + 1) and T (4c + 2), then T
(4c + 1) + T (4c + 2) = (4c + 2) 2.
New Figurative Numbers and Its Basic Properties Another further rationale of this research is to
Trapezoidal Numbers introduce new figurative numbers drawn from the
Definition. Let T (n) a triangular number, for some formula of triangular number. In particular, any T (n)
integer n ≥ 2. An integer of T (n)  1 is called
that is a triangular number, for some integer n≥2, an
trapezoidal number,denoted by T * (n) . integer of T (n) – 1 is called trapezoidal number,
denoted by T* (n). Furthermore, for any triangular
Diamond Numbers number T (n), where n ≥ 2, an integer of 2T (n) – n is
Definition. Let T (n) a triangular number. An integer
called diamond number, denoted by D (n).
of 2T (n)  n is called diamond number,denoted by
The researchers recommend this study “On
D(n) . Triangular and Trapezoidal Numbers” as an
Theorem 3.4.2.1. Let n≥ 1 be an integer. Then instructional reference material for instructors of
D(n)  n 2 . mathematics, as well as available literature for future
Proof: By definition, researches.
D(n)  2T (n)  n
For the computer programming students, the
 n(n  1)  researchers recommended the formula for trapezoidal
 2 n
 2  and diamond numbers to be programmed.
 n(n  1)  n It is also recommended to further analyze the
 n2  n  n interrelationships between triangular numbers and
 n2 other figurate numbers since these numbers involve a
lot of interesting patterns, both in algebraic and
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION geometric aspects. And find the identities that show
Triangular numbers are figurate numbers that can the connection between various figurate numbers.
be able to characterize as a standard and distinct
geometric pattern. So based on the results obtained,

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[3] Burton, D. M. (2007) Elementary Number Theory.
(6th ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw- Hill
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[4] Krowne, A. (2004). Triangular Numbers.
[5] Leithold, L. (1989)College algebra and
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[6] Miller, C. D., Heeren, V. E. & Hornsby. J. (2008).
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[7] Silverman, J. H. (2006). A Friendly Introduction to
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