Math Problem Statement

The first term in sequence Q equals 1, and for all positive integers n equal to or greater than 2, the nth term in sequence Q equals the absolute value of the difference between the nth smallest positive perfect cube and the (n-1)th smallest positive perfect cube. The sum of the first seven terms in sequence Q is:]

Solution

We are given the sequence QQ where:

  • Q1=1Q_1 = 1
  • For n2n \geq 2, QnQ_n is the absolute value of the difference between the nn-th smallest positive perfect cube and the (n1)(n-1)-th smallest positive perfect cube.

Step 1: List of Perfect Cubes

The smallest positive perfect cubes are: 13=1,23=8,33=27,43=64,53=125,63=216,73=3431^3 = 1, \quad 2^3 = 8, \quad 3^3 = 27, \quad 4^3 = 64, \quad 5^3 = 125, \quad 6^3 = 216, \quad 7^3 = 343

Step 2: Differences Between Consecutive Perfect Cubes

Now, let's compute the absolute value of the difference between consecutive cubes:

  • Q2=81=7Q_2 = |8 - 1| = 7
  • Q3=278=19Q_3 = |27 - 8| = 19
  • Q4=6427=37Q_4 = |64 - 27| = 37
  • Q5=12564=61Q_5 = |125 - 64| = 61
  • Q6=216125=91Q_6 = |216 - 125| = 91
  • Q7=343216=127Q_7 = |343 - 216| = 127

Step 3: Sum of the First Seven Terms

Now, we add the first seven terms of the sequence: Q1+Q2+Q3+Q4+Q5+Q6+Q7=1+7+19+37+61+91+127Q_1 + Q_2 + Q_3 + Q_4 + Q_5 + Q_6 + Q_7 = 1 + 7 + 19 + 37 + 61 + 91 + 127 =343= 343

Thus, the sum of the first seven terms in sequence QQ is 343\boxed{343}.

Would you like further details or clarifications?

Here are 5 related questions to further explore the topic:

  1. What is the general formula for the difference between consecutive perfect cubes?
  2. How does the growth rate of perfect cubes compare to perfect squares?
  3. What is the sum of the first 10 terms in sequence QQ?
  4. How can perfect cubes be represented algebraically?
  5. What are other sequences that involve differences of powers?

Tip: The difference between two consecutive cubes follows a quadratic pattern, increasing more rapidly as the numbers grow.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Number Theory
Perfect Cubes
Absolute Value

Formulas

Q_n = |n^3 - (n-1)^3| for n ≥ 2

Theorems

Properties of Cubes
Difference of Powers

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12