Question
upstudy study bank question image url

QUESTION 3
The first three terms of an arithmetic sequence are: and .

3.2 Given that , prove that .

Ask by Barker Salinas. in South Africa
Mar 24,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

3.1.1
Show that .
3.1.2
The smallest value of for which is .
3.2
Given that , it follows that .

Solution

3.1.1
The first three terms of the arithmetic sequence are
In an arithmetic sequence, the difference between consecutive terms is constant. Therefore,
Substitute the terms:
Simplify each side:
Solve for :

3.1.2
Now, substitute into the terms to find the first term and the common difference:
The common difference is:
The general term of an arithmetic sequence is given by:
Substitute and :
We need to find the smallest integer such that:
Substitute :
Solve this inequality:
  1. Subtract 33 from both sides:
  2. Divide both sides by (remember to reverse the inequality sign when dividing by a negative number):
The smallest integer greater than 11 is:

3.2
We are given:
First, compute each sum.
For the sum from to 6:
The sum of the first 6 natural numbers is:
So,
For the sum from to 9:
The sum of the first 9 natural numbers is:
Thus,
Equate the two sums:
Solve for :
  1. Rearranging:
  2. Hence,
Now, we need to show that:
Substitute :
Calculate the sum of the first 15 natural numbers:
Thus,
This completes the proof.

Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

The Deep Dive

To find in the arithmetic sequence, remember that in such a sequence the difference between consecutive terms is constant. So, set up the equation:
Solving gives , which leads to . Now, using this value, you can move onto calculating the smallest for which .
For in an arithmetic sequence, the nth term formula is . With and , solving will lead you to as the smallest value.
Now for the second question! The expression indicates that we can simplify both sums. Notably, after some algebraic manipulation, you can spot that times a factor relating to the number of terms captures the essence of these sums.
Jumping to the 15-term case, leveraging the established equality and previously calculated sums leads to since the intervals neatly align in a manner that ensures their contributions cancel out, concluding your key deduction.

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy