Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2003 / ia / Paper 4 / 1C / i / Solution

Let $T_n=n(n+1)/2$, the $n$th triangular number. Pairing the terms of the arithmetic progression proves ${\sum }_{r=1}^{n}r=T_n$. We prove the cube identity by mathematical induction. For $n=1$ both sides equal one. If ${\sum }_{r=1}^n{r}^3=T_n^2$, thenAdding $(n+1{)}^3$ establishes the next case. ThusEquivalently, the same displayed difference telescopes from $T_0=0$, providing a direct proof without induction.