Question

Jewish people light a menorah on each of the 8 nights. On the first night, 1 candle plus the shamash candle is lit. On the second night, 2 candle plus the shamash candle is lit, and so forth. Over the course of Chanukah, how many candles are lit in all??

Answer 1

Answer: Your answer is Hanukkah

Answer 2

Explanation:

General Remark

Let's start with the long way.

Each day 1 traditional candle (shamash) is lit along with a number of candles representing that day of Chanukah. I'm taking it that a new Shamash candle must be used each day.

Total Candles = 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 44

Givens

• a = 2
• L = 9
• n = 8

Formula

Sum = (a + L)*n/2

Solution

• Sum = (2 + 9)*8/2
• Sum = (11)*4
• Sum = 44

If this is wrong can you tell me what assumption I'm making that is incorrect.