Question 1066884
{{{N = (t^2-t)/2}}}



{{{6 = (t^2-t)/2}}} Replace N with 6. The goal is to solve for t.



{{{2*6 = 2*((t^2-t)/2)}}} Multiply both sides by 2



{{{12 = t^2-t}}}



{{{12-12 = t^2-t-12}}} Subtract 12 from both sides



{{{0 = t^2-t-12}}}



{{{t^2-t-12 = 0}}}



{{{(t-4)(t+3) = 0}}} Factor



{{{t-4=0}}} or {{{t+3=0}}}



{{{t=4}}} or {{{t=-3}}}



Ignore the negative solution since it makes no sense to have -3 players.



The only practical solution is {{{t = 4}}}



There are 4 players in the tournament.