Question 1: The integers 1, 2, …, 40 are written on a blackboard. The following operation is then repeated 39 times: In each repetition, any two numbers, say a and b, currently on the blackboard are erased and a new number a + b - 1 is written. What will be the number left on the board at the end?
a) 820
b) 821
c) 781
d) 819
e) 780