Math Problem Statement

Find the sum of the arithmetic sequence -3 + 1 + 5 + 9 + 13 + ... + (4n - 7).

Solution

To find the sum of the given arithmetic sequence 3,1,5,9,13,,(4n7)-3, 1, 5, 9, 13, \dots, (4n - 7), we proceed as follows:


Step 1: Analyze the arithmetic sequence

An arithmetic sequence has a common difference dd.
Here:

  • First term a=3a = -3
  • Second term a2=1a_2 = 1

The common difference dd is: d=a2a1=1(3)=4.d = a_2 - a_1 = 1 - (-3) = 4.


Step 2: General formula for the nn-th term

The formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence is: an=a+(n1)d.a_n = a + (n-1)d. Substitute a=3a = -3 and d=4d = 4: an=3+(n1)(4).a_n = -3 + (n-1)(4). Simplify: an=3+4n4=4n7.a_n = -3 + 4n - 4 = 4n - 7. Thus, the nn-th term is 4n74n - 7.


Step 3: Formula for the sum of nn-terms

The sum SnS_n of the first nn-terms in an arithmetic sequence is given by: Sn=n2(a+an),S_n = \frac{n}{2} \left( a + a_n \right), where aa is the first term and ana_n is the nn-th term.

Substitute a=3a = -3 and an=4n7a_n = 4n - 7: Sn=n2(3+(4n7)).S_n = \frac{n}{2} \left( -3 + (4n - 7) \right). Simplify inside the parentheses: Sn=n2(3+4n7).S_n = \frac{n}{2} \left( -3 + 4n - 7 \right). Sn=n2(4n10).S_n = \frac{n}{2} \left( 4n - 10 \right). Factor out 22 from 4n104n - 10: Sn=n22(2n5).S_n = \frac{n}{2} \cdot 2(2n - 5). Simplify: Sn=n(2n5).S_n = n(2n - 5).


Final Answer:

The sum of the arithmetic sequence is n(2n5)n(2n - 5).

Correct option:
n(2n5)n(2n - 5)


Do you need further clarifications or a detailed explanation of any step?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you derive the formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence?
  2. What is the general formula for the sum of nn-terms of an arithmetic series?
  3. How can you identify a common difference in any arithmetic sequence?
  4. If the sum of the sequence is SnS_n, how do you solve for nn given SnS_n?
  5. How do you graph an arithmetic sequence?

Tip:

In arithmetic sequences, always check for the common difference dd first, as it helps to derive both the nn-th term and the sum formula efficiently.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequence
Sum of Arithmetic Series
General Term of Sequence

Formulas

General term of arithmetic sequence: a_n = a + (n-1)d
Sum of n terms: S_n = n/2 * (a + a_n)

Theorems

Sum formula for an arithmetic sequence

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11