ILL 1986 Problem 7

Let $f(n)$ be the least number of distinct points in the plane such that for each $k = 1, 2, \cdots, n$ there exists a straight line containing exactly $k$ of these points. Find an explicit expression for $f(n).$

Simplified version.

Show that $f(n)=\left[\frac{n+1}{2}\right]\left[\frac{n+2}{2}\right].$ Where $[x]$ denoting the greatest integer not exceeding $x.$