Maths GCSE Number Stairs (URGENT please!)

Hi. I'm sorta stuck with my GCSE Number Stairs coursework. I've got quite far (i think so, at least), but i've reached what i see to be a dead end. I've got to a point when i've found a formula to for three stair widths to find the total internal stair number using the grid width and the bottom left number, but now i want to find a formula which can be used for any shape width. One that can be used to find the total number of any sized stair, on any sized grid, in any position (virtually)

If anyone wishes to take a look at the entire coursework piece, i have it up at http://revelation.shard.free.fr/STAIRS.xls

I really need help with this, i have no idea what to do.

If anyone is interested, it's already been marked with a 6-6-5 but i've recieved it back to finish it, for a better mark. I'm on the Higher tier.

Thanks,
M.J.Osborne

Reply 1

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try www.helptosolve.com

Reply 2

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Ah well, i had a sudden idea so i decided to do it myself without help. If anyone is interested, i ended up with
T=(((P²+P)/2)S) + (((P³-P)/6)W) + ((P³-P)/6)
T being the sum of each square inside the stairs
S being the s number, the lower left square.
P being the width of a stair (must be height and width)
W being the height and width of the grid