10. Write the first natural numbers in any order in a row, and number them sequentially as . Then, find the sum of each number and its position number, resulting in sum numbers. Next, divide each sum number by , obtaining quotients and remainders. Prove that at least two of the remainders are the same.
Problem 1569
Official solution
10. Proof: Let the first natural numbers be written in any order as , where , , then the corresponding sum numbers are , .
These sum numbers, when divided by , can only result in one of the following remainders: .
If we can prove that all remainders cannot appear, the problem is solved. A direct approach is difficult, so we consider the opposite.
Suppose these remainders all appear, then their sum is .
This sum should be congruent modulo to the sum of the sum numbers divided by (i.e., the remainders are the same), which indicates a remainder of zero. This is a contradiction.