The sum of all the prime numbers from 1 to 20 is
Aptitude
Number System
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A75
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B76
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C77
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D78
Answer
Correct Answer: 77
Explanation
### Concept & Logic
This requires listing all prime numbers within a defined boundary ($1$ to $20$) and calculating their sum. Accuracy in identifying primes is critical here.
### Step-by-Step Solution
First, list all the prime numbers between $1$ and $20$.
The primes are: $2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17$, and $19$.
Next, calculate the total sum. To do this efficiently, group the numbers into pairs that end in round numbers:
* Pair 1: $11 + 19 = 30$
* Pair 2: $13 + 17 = 30$
* Remaining primes: $2 + 3 + 5 + 7 = 17$
Add the grouped sums together:
$$Sum = 30 + 30 + 17$$
$$Sum = 77$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Do not add the numbers sequentially ($2+3=5, 5+5=10...$) as this increases cognitive load and the chance of a minor arithmetic error under time pressure. Always look for pairs that sum to multiples of $10$ (like the $13+17$ trick shown above) to optimize your calculation speed.
### Common Pitfall
Accidentally including $9$ or $15$ in the sum. Because they are odd numbers, students rushing through the exam often mistakenly categorize them as primes. $9$ ($3 \times 3$) and $15$ ($3 \times 5$) are composite. Including $9$ would incorrectly lead to a sum of $86$.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is 77.