Math Problem Statement

Find the sum of the first 36 terms of the arithmetic sequence. 22, 27, 32, 37, ...

Solution

To find the sum of the first 36 terms of an arithmetic sequence, we use the formula for the sum of an arithmetic sequence:

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

Where:

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

Step 1: Identify the given values

From the problem:

  • The first term a=22a = 22,
  • The common difference dd can be calculated: d=2722=5.d = 27 - 22 = 5.
  • The number of terms n=36n = 36.

To find the last term ll, use the formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence:

l=a+(n1)dl = a + (n-1) \cdot d


Step 2: Calculate the last term (ll)

l=22+(361)5l = 22 + (36-1) \cdot 5 l=22+355l = 22 + 35 \cdot 5 l=22+175=197l = 22 + 175 = 197

The last term l=197l = 197.


Step 3: Find the sum of the first 36 terms (S36S_{36})

Now substitute into the sum formula:

Sn=n2(a+l)S_n = \frac{n}{2} \cdot (a + l) S36=362(22+197)S_{36} = \frac{36}{2} \cdot (22 + 197) S36=18219S_{36} = 18 \cdot 219 S36=3942S_{36} = 3942


Final Answer:

The sum of the first 36 terms is 3942.


Do you need further clarification or a breakdown of any step? Let me know!


Related Questions:

  1. How do you derive the formula for the sum of an arithmetic sequence?
  2. How can you find the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence?
  3. If the common difference changes, how would the sum be affected?
  4. What if the sequence had a different number of terms, such as 50 terms?
  5. How can we determine whether a sequence is arithmetic or not?

Tip: Always verify the last term calculation when working with arithmetic sequences to avoid small errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Summation of Sequences

Formulas

Sum of an arithmetic sequence: S_n = (n/2) × (a + l)
n-th term formula: l = a + (n-1) × d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sum Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10