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Last updated on October 13, 2025

Sum of Even Numbers

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The sum of even numbers can be easily calculated using the formula and arithmetic progression. Even numbers are the numbers that are evenly divisible by 2, that is, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, … In this article, we will learn more about the sum of even numbers. The formula for the sum of the first n even numbers is S = n(n + 1).

Sum of Even Numbers for US Students
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What Are Even Numbers?

Even numbers are the numbers that are evenly divisible by 2; they include both positive and negative numbers. For instance, -8, -4, -2, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, … It is represented as 2n, where n is an integer. Even numbers play a crucial role in arithmetic operations, algebra, and real-world applications like coding, engineering, and financial calculations.
 

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What is the Sum of Even Numbers?

The sum of even numbers follows a predictable pattern and can be calculated efficiently using formulas.

  • The sum of the first n even numbers is given by

            \( S = n(n + 1) \)

            \(S = \frac{n}{2} \times (\text{First Term} + \text{Last Term}) \)

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What is the formula for Sum of Even Numbers?

Let's derive the formula for the sum of the even numbers step-by-step.

 

  • Let the sum of the first n even numbers be Sn. Thus,
    Sn = 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 + … + (2n)                  (1)

 

  • For an arithmetic sequence, the sum of the numbers is given by
    \(Sn ​= 2n ​[2a + (n − 1) d]  }\)                      (2) 
    (where n is the number of terms in the series, a is the first term of an A.P., and d is the common difference in an A.P.)
     
  • Substitute the values in equation 2 with respect to equation 1.
    Thus, a = 2, d = 2, and let the last term l = 2n.

 

So, the sum will be
\(Sn = ½ n[2.2 + (n - 1)2]  \)

\(Sn = n/2[4 + 2n - 2] \)

\(Sn = n/2[2 + 2n] \)

\(Sn = n(n + 1) \)

Therefore, the sum of n even numbers = n(n + 1) or \(Se = n(n + 1) \)

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What is the Sum of First Ten Even Numbers

The first ten even numbers are: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20


Thus, the sum of the first ten even numbers is: \(Sn = 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 +… 10 \) terms.

By formula \( Sn = n(n + 1)\), we have

\(S = 10(10 + 1) = 10 × 11 = 110 (n = 10) \)


Also,

\(2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 + 12 + 14 + 16 + 18 + 20 = 110 \)


Hence, checked.

 

What is the Sum of Even Numbers 1 to 50?


The sum of even numbers from 1 to 50 is the result of the summation of all the even numbers in the list from 1 to 50. By the definition of even numbers, the even numbers from 1 to 50 include 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50. 

There are 25 even numbers from 1 to 50, so \(n = 25 \).
Substitute the values in the formula Sn = n(n + 1).
Therefore, \(S = 25(25 + 1) = 25 × 26 = 650 \)

 

What is the Sum of Even Numbers 51 to 100


The sum of even numbers from 51 to 100 is the summation of all the even numbers from 51 to 100 are: 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70,72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100. Thus, there are 25 even numbers from 51 to 100.
Here, a = 52, d = 2, n = 25

Applying the sum formula,


\(S = \frac{25}{2} [104 + (24 \times 2)] \)

 

\(= \frac{25}{2} [104 + 48] = \frac{25}{2} \times 152 = 25 \times 76 = 1900 \)

 

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Real-life applications of Sum of Even Numbers

The sum of even numbers has numerous applications across various fields. Let us explore how the sum of even numbers is used in different areas:

 

  • Financial Calculations and Budgeting: While dealing with financial investment, even numbers play an important role in structured saving plans, investment calculations or payment schedules. Even interest calculations are based on even-numbered months for easy calculations.

 

  • Computing and Algorithm Optimization: In computer science, even numbers are used for algorithm design, particularly in loops and conditional operations. For instance, in array processing, accessing only even-indexed elements and summing them is a common optimization technique. 

 

  • Physics and Engineering Applications: In physics and engineering, the sum of even numbers is applied in various calculations related to motion, waves, and electrical circuits. For example, in harmonic motion, where objects oscillate in even-numbered time intervals, the total displacement over any number of cycles can be calculated using the sum of even numbers.

     
  • Data Analysis and Statistics: In statistics, even numbers are often used when organizing data into pairs or groups for balanced sampling. The sum of even numbers helps in calculating averages, symmetrical distributions, and identifying patterns in datasets.

     
  • Architecture and Design:
    Architects and designers often use even-numbered patterns for symmetry and balance. Calculating the sum of even numbers helps in determining equal spacing of pillars, tiles, or lights, ensuring uniform and aesthetically pleasing designs.
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Tips and Tricks on Sum of Even Numbers

Summing even numbers is a straightforward process that can be quickly mastered using a few key formulas and techniques. The tips and tricks mentioned below will help you solve problems:

 

  • Use the formula for the first n even numbers: The sum of the first n even numbers is n(n + 1).

 

  • Recognize the arithmetic sequence: Even numbers form an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of 2. Use the arithmetic series formula:
    Sum = Number of terms2 x (First term + Last Term)

 

  • Identify the sequence boundaries: When summing even numbers within a range, determine the first and last even numbers in the interval.

     
  • Break large problems into smaller parts: If the range of even numbers is large, divide it into smaller sections, find partial sums, and then add them together for easier calculation.

     
  • Double the sum of natural numbers: Since every even number is twice a natural number, you can find the sum of even numbers by doubling the sum of the first n natural numbers.
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Sum of Even Numbers

Students tend to make mistakes when finding the sum of even numbers. Let us see some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
 

Mistake 1

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Miscounting the Number of Even Terms in a Range

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 Use the formula to count the number of even terms:


\(Count = \frac{(\text{Last even} - \text{First even})}{2} + 1 \)


Always list the even numbers before applying the sum formula to verify correctness.
 

Mistake 2

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Using the Formula for Odd Numbers Instead of Even Numbers
 

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Memorize the correct formula:
Sum of first n even numbers = n(n + 1)
Write down the sequence before applying formulas to confirm it’s an even-numbered series. 
 

Mistake 3

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Forgetting the First Even Number in the Sequence
 

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Identify the actual first even number in the sequence before applying the formula. If summing even numbers in a range, manually check the first and last even numbers.
 

Mistake 4

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Not Checking Whether the Range Includes Only Even Numbers
 

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Verify that both the first and last numbers in your sequence are even. If an odd number is mistakenly included, adjust the starting or ending point.
 

Mistake 5

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Using the Wrong Arithmetic Series Formula
 

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Ensure that the sequence follows an arithmetic pattern with a common difference of 2 before using:


\(S = \frac{n}{2} \) x (First Term + Last Term)
 

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Solved examples on Sum of Even Numbers

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Problem 1

What is the sum of the first 5 even numbers?

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30
 

Explanation

The first 5 even numbers are: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.
You can add them directly:


\(2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 = 30\)


Alternatively, using the formula for the first n even numbers:
\(Sum = n (n + 1)\) where \(n = 5\).


\(5 \times (5 + 1) = 5 \times 6 = 30 \)
 

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Problem 2

What is the sum of the first 8 even numbers?

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 72
 

Explanation

Even numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16.

Use the formula:

\(\text{Sum} = n(n + 1) \) where n = 8.

\(8 × 9 = 72\)
 

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Problem 3

Given a list [1,2,3,4,5,6], what is the sum of its even numbers?

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12

Explanation

Identify the even numbers in the list: 2, 4, and 6.
Sum them directly: \(2 + 4 + 6 = 12\)
 

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Problem 4

What is the sum of the first 7 even numbers using the formula: n(n + 1)?

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56

Explanation

Set 
\(n = 7\)


Apply the formula:


\(Sum = 7(7 + 1) = 7 × 8 = 56\)
 

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Problem 5

What is the sum of the even numbers between 4 and 20 (inclusive)?

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108
 

Explanation

The sequence is: 4, 6, 8, …, 20.


Determine the number of terms:


\(Count = \frac{20 - 4}{2} + 1 = \frac{16}{2} + 1 = 8 + 1 = 9\)


Apply the arithmetic series formula:


\(\text{Sum} = \frac{9}{2} \times (4 + 20) = \left( \frac{9}{2} \right) \times 24 = 9 \times 12 = 108 \)
 

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FAQs on Sum of Even Numbers

1.What is an even number?

Even numbers are integers that are divisible by 2 without leaving a remainder (e.g., 2, 4, 6, …).


 

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2.What is the sum of the first n even numbers?

The sum of the first n even numbers is given by the formula:


\(Sum = n(n + 1)\)
 

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3.What is the sum of even numbers from 2 to 2n?

 The sequence from 2 to 2n consists of n even numbers. Its sum is 
\(n(n + 1)\).
 

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4.What is the sum of the first 10 even numbers?

Using the formula: 


\(10(10 + 1) = 110\)
 

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5.How are even numbers related to arithmetic progressions?

Even numbers form an arithmetic progression with a first term of 2 and a common difference of 2.
 

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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.

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: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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