What is the solution to the unsolved equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an unsolved equation of the form: ((1)^k)+((2)^k)+...+((n-1)^k)+((n)^k) = ((n+1)^k). Participants explore potential values for n and k, examining specific cases and proposing alternative approaches to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation and notes that the only obvious solution found is ((1)^2) + ((2)^2) = ((3^2)), questioning if other solutions exist.
  • Another participant challenges the validity of the initial claim regarding the equation, pointing out that the arithmetic does not hold.
  • A different participant suggests that a trivial solution exists with 1^0 = 2^0, indicating that there may be multiple ways to interpret the equation.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the correct formulation of the equation, with one participant admitting to a typo and correcting it to ((1)^1) + ((2)^1) = ((3)^1).
  • One participant proposes that if k is an odd number and n is negative, it might be possible to solve the equation differently, suggesting that negative values could counteract the summation.
  • Another participant attempts to relate the problem to a series summation, discussing the potential forms of the equation and providing a formula for summing powers.
  • A further contribution discusses a geometric series, suggesting a connection to the equation through the sum of powers of 2.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the initial equation and its potential solutions. There is no consensus on the values of n and k, and multiple interpretations of the problem are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the values of n and k remain unresolved, and the discussion includes various interpretations of the equation that may depend on specific definitions or conditions.

kazimo
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Hey,
I am kinda new here but here's a problem for you guys:

There is an equation of the form:
((1)^k)+((2)^k)+...+((n-1)^k)+((n)^k) = ((n+1)^k)

This equation is such that all the numbers starting from1 till n are raised to the power of k and added and the result is (n+1)^k. What should n and k be?

Apart from ((1)^2) + ((2)^2) = ((3^2)) There isn't any other obvious answer. ( These were the first numbers I tried when I began trying to solve this problem.

Kazim
 
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((1)^2) + ((2)^2) = ((3^2))?

Is this true? :confused:
 
Clearly, it is not.

But 1+2=3 is true. And there's a more trivial solution : 1^0 = 2^0.
 
rajesh said:
((1)^2) + ((2)^2) = ((3^2))?

Is this true? :confused:

It was a typo ...it should have been

(1^1)+(2^1)=(3^1)
 
I just did a mistake.. it was supposed to be

((1)^1) + ((2)^1) = ((3)^1)

I will be careful in the future
 
I believe that if k was an odd number and n was negative then it would be possible to solve it another way. With a negative number in there you can counteract all of the adding of things.
 
is the original problem like this:

k
sigma (n^c) where c is any real constant
n=1

i was trying to figure that out, but if yours is

k
sigma (c^n) where c is any real constant,
n=1

then i think the sum is {[c^(k+1)]/(c-1)}-[1/(c-1)]

hope this helps
 
I think about the closest series to that is 1+2+4+8++2^N =2^(n+1)-1. This comes about because [tex]1 +r +r^2+r^n=\frac{-1+r^_(n+1)}{r-1}[/tex]
but, of course, 2-1=1, so the denominator disappears.
 
Last edited:

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