C programs to find the sum of the series $1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n$ i.e. the sum of the first $n$ natural numbers have been shown here. Both the iterative and recursive approaches have been shown below. The sum can also be computed using the mathematical formula $\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$.

Example:

Suppose $n = 6$

So the sum of first $6$ natural numbers = $1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 21$

By using the mathematical formula, we obtain the sum of first $6$ natural numbers = $\frac{6 \cdot (6+1)}{2} = 21$

The algorithm, pseudocode and time-complexity of the program have also been covered in the following sections.

#### Page content(s):

1. Algorithm

2. Pseudocode

3. Time Complexity

4. Program & output:

## 1. Algorithm to find sum of the series 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n

1. Take number of terms $n$ as inputs.

2. Set $sum = 0$.

3. Add each $i \in [1, n]$, to $sum$.

4. Display $sum$ as output.

## 2. Pseudocode to find sum of the series 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n

Input: Number of terms $n$

Output: Sum of $1+2+3+...+n$

1. Procedure sumSeries($n$):

2. $sum \leftarrow 0$:

3. Repeat for each $i \in [1, n]$:

4. $sum \leftarrow sum + i$

5. Return $sum$

6. End Procedure

## 3. Time complexity to find sum of the series 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n

Time Complexity: O(n)

Here $n$ is the number of terms.

Time Complexity (Using formula): O(1)

## 4.1. C Program & output to find sum of the series 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n using formula

Code has been copied
/******************************************
alphabetacoder.com
C Program to find sum of series 1+2+3+...+n
using the formula n(n + 1) / 2
*******************************************/

#include<stdio.h>

int main() {
// delclare variables
int i, n, sum = 0;

// take input of n
printf("Enter no of terms: ");
scanf("%d", & n);

// calculate the sum using formula
sum = (n * (n + 1)) / 2;

// display result
printf("Sum: %d\n", sum);

return 0;
}


Output

Enter no of terms: 10

Sum: 55

## 4.2. C Program to find sum of the series 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n using iteration

Code has been copied
/******************************************
alphabetacoder.com
C Program to find sum of series 1+2+3+...+n
using iterative approach
*******************************************/

#include<stdio.h>

int main() {
// delclare variables
int i, n, sum = 0;

// take input of n
printf("Enter no of terms: ");
scanf("%d", & n);

// calculate the sum using loop
for (i = 1; i <= n; i++) {
sum += i;
}

// display result
printf("Sum: %d\n", sum);

return 0;
}


Output

Enter no of terms: 30

Sum: 465

## 4.3. C Program to find sum of the series 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n using recursion

Code has been copied
/*********************************
alphabetacoder.com
C Program to find sum of series
1 + 2 + 3 +...+ n using recursion
**********************************/

#include<stdio.h>

// recursive function to calculate sum
// of series 1 + 2 + 3 ... + n
int calculate_sum(int n) {
// exit condition of recursive call
if (n == 0)
return 0;

// call function
return n + calculate_sum(n - 1);
}

int main() {
// delclare variables
int i, n, sum = 0;

// take input of n
printf("Enter no of terms: ");
scanf("%d", & n);

// call function to get result
sum = calculate_sum(n);

// display result
printf("Sum: %d\n", sum);

return 0;
}


Output

Enter no of terms: 20

Sum: 210