Math Problem Statement

Find the sum of the first 19 terms of the arithmetic sequence where the 10th term is 20

Solution

To find the sum of the first 19 terms of an arithmetic sequence, we need the following information:

  1. The 10th term: a10=20a_{10} = 20
  2. The formula for the nn-th term: an=a+(n1)da_n = a + (n-1)d, where aa is the first term and dd is the common difference.
  3. The sum of nn terms formula: Sn=n2(2a+(n1)d)S_n = \frac{n}{2}(2a + (n-1)d).

Step 1: Express the 10th term in terms of aa and dd:

a10=a+9d=20a_{10} = a + 9d = 20

Step 2: Solve for S19S_{19}:

The sum of the first nn terms is given by: Sn=n2(2a+(n1)d)S_n = \frac{n}{2}(2a + (n-1)d) Substituting n=19n = 19: S19=192(2a+18d)S_{19} = \frac{19}{2}(2a + 18d)

From the equation a+9d=20a + 9d = 20, express aa in terms of dd: a=209da = 20 - 9d

Substitute a=209da = 20 - 9d into S19S_{19}: S19=192(2(209d)+18d)S_{19} = \frac{19}{2}(2(20 - 9d) + 18d) Simplify the expression: S19=192(4018d+18d)S_{19} = \frac{19}{2}(40 - 18d + 18d) S19=192(40)S_{19} = \frac{19}{2}(40) S19=19×20=380S_{19} = 19 \times 20 = 380

Final Answer:

The sum of the first 19 terms is 380.

Would you like further explanation or an example with different parameters?


5 Related Questions:

  1. How do you find the first term and common difference if more terms are provided?
  2. How would the solution change if the common difference was explicitly given?
  3. Can you find the sum of an arithmetic series if the first and last terms are provided?
  4. What is the formula for the sum of the first nn terms when aa and dd are unknown?
  5. How can we graph an arithmetic sequence to visualize the progression?

Tip:

When working with arithmetic sequences, always isolate the first term and common difference early, as they determine all properties of the sequence!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Summation of Series
Linear Equations

Formulas

n-th term formula of an arithmetic sequence: a_n = a + (n-1)d
Sum of the first n terms: S_n = (n/2)(2a + (n-1)d)

Theorems

Properties of arithmetic sequences

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10