Math Problem Statement

Use the formula to find the sum of the arithmetic series.

1.5+1.8+2.1+2.4+2.7+3.0+3.3+3.6+3.9+4.2+4.5

Solution

To find the sum of an arithmetic series, we use the formula:

Sn=n2(a+l)S_n = \frac{n}{2} \cdot (a + l)

Where:

  • SnS_n is the sum of the series.
  • nn is the number of terms.
  • aa is the first term.
  • ll is the last term.

Given:

  • a=1.5a = 1.5 (first term)
  • l=4.5l = 4.5 (last term)
  • nn (number of terms) can be determined from the sequence:
    • The terms increase by d=0.3d = 0.3 (common difference).
    • To find nn, use the formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence: an=a+(n1)da_n = a + (n-1) \cdot d Substituting an=4.5a_n = 4.5, a=1.5a = 1.5, and d=0.3d = 0.3: 4.5=1.5+(n1)0.34.5 = 1.5 + (n-1) \cdot 0.3 Simplifying: 4.51.5=0.3(n1)    3=0.3(n1)4.5 - 1.5 = 0.3 \cdot (n-1) \implies 3 = 0.3 \cdot (n-1) n1=10    n=11n-1 = 10 \implies n = 11

Thus, there are 11 terms.

Calculate the Sum:

Substitute n=11n = 11, a=1.5a = 1.5, and l=4.5l = 4.5 into the sum formula: Sn=112(1.5+4.5)S_n = \frac{11}{2} \cdot (1.5 + 4.5) Sn=1126=113=33S_n = \frac{11}{2} \cdot 6 = 11 \cdot 3 = 33

Final Answer:

The sum of the arithmetic series is: 33\boxed{33}


Would you like further details or have additional questions?
Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How do you derive the formula for the sum of an arithmetic series?
  2. What happens if the common difference is negative?
  3. How can you verify the sum by manually adding all terms?
  4. How do you find the sum if the sequence is given in reverse?
  5. Can you apply this formula to an infinite arithmetic sequence?

Tip: Always check the number of terms carefully when working with sequences.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Arithmetic Series

Formulas

Sum of an arithmetic series: Sn = (n/2) * (a + l)
nth term of an arithmetic sequence: an = a + (n-1) * d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10