And n(n+1)/2 = 1 + 2 + ...... + n can be proved by mathematical induction.
Let P(n) be n(n+1)/2 = 1 + 2 + ....... + n
For n = 1,
LHS = 1(1+1)/2 = 1
RHS = 1 = LHS
P(1) is true.
Assume that P(k) is true,
For n = k + 1
LHS
= (k+1)(k+2)/2
RHS
= 1 + 2 + ...... + k + (k + 1)
= (k + 1)(k)/2 + (k + 1)
= \((\dfrac{k+1}{2})(k + 2)\)
= (k+1)(k+2)/2
= LHS
Therefore when P(k) is true, P(k + 1) is true.
By the definition of mathematical induction, P(n) is true for all positive integers n.