1. The problem is to find the sum of the numbers 1 through 100. 2. We use the formula for the sum of the first $n$ natural numbers: $$S = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}$$ where $n=100$. 3. Substitute $n=100$ into the formula: $$S = \frac{100(100+1)}{2}$$. 4. Simplify inside the parentheses: $$S = \frac{100 \times 101}{2}$$. 5. Multiply numerator: $$S = \frac{10100}{2}$$. 6. Divide numerator and denominator by 2: $$S = \cancel{\frac{10100}{2}} = 5050$$. 7. Therefore, the sum of the numbers from 1 to 100 is $5050$.