Math Problem Statement
DIRECTION
: Find the sum of the terms for each sequence below.
SEQUENCE
SOLUTION
nth term
-
1,4,7, 10...
-
3, 5, 7, 9, 11, ...
-
2, 4, 6, 8, 10, ....
4.-1, 1, -1, 1, -1, 1, ...
- 1, ½, 1/3, %, 1/5,...
Solution
Let's analyze each sequence and find the sum of the terms.
1. Sequence: 1, 4, 7, 10, ...
This is an arithmetic sequence with a common difference .
General form:
Sum of the first terms for an arithmetic sequence is given by:
Substitute and :
2. Sequence: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, ...
This is also an arithmetic sequence with a common difference .
General form:
Sum of the first terms:
3. Sequence: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, ...
This is another arithmetic sequence with a common difference .
General form:
Sum of the first terms:
4. Sequence: -1, 1, -1, 1, -1, 1, ...
This is an alternating sequence with a repeating pattern.
General form:
Sum of the first terms depends on whether is odd or even:
- If is even, the sum is 0.
- If is odd, the sum is .
5. Sequence: 1, , , , , ...
This is a harmonic sequence.
General form:
Sum of the first terms is the harmonic sum: This sum does not have a simple closed form like the others.
Recap of Sums
- Sum is 0 if is even; if is odd.
- is the sum of the harmonic series.
Would you like details on any of these sequences, or help with another topic? Here are some related questions:
- How do you derive the formula for the sum of an arithmetic sequence?
- Can the sum of an infinite arithmetic sequence be finite?
- What is the significance of the harmonic series in mathematics?
- How does the alternating sequence affect its sum over time?
- Can we approximate the sum of the harmonic series for large ?
Tip: The sum of an arithmetic sequence can be quickly calculated by multiplying the number of terms by the average of the first and last term.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Arithmetic Sequence
Alternating Sequence
Harmonic Series
Formulas
Arithmetic sequence nth term formula: a_n = a_1 + (n-1) * d
Sum of arithmetic sequence formula: S_n = n/2 * (a_1 + a_n)
Alternating sequence nth term formula: a_n = (-1)^(n+1)
Harmonic series: S_n = sum_{k=1}^{n} (1/k)
Theorems
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Suitable Grade Level
Advanced High School