Sum of First 20 Terms of Arithmetic Series: 131+235

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the sum of the first 20 terms of an arithmetic series, given that the 20th term is 131 and the sum of the 6th to 10th terms is 235. Participants also explore related problems involving the sum of terms and the nth term of the series.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to set up equations based on the definitions of arithmetic series, including the use of simultaneous equations to find the first term and common difference. There are questions about the correctness of the equations used and the interpretation of the terms involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide corrections to the equations presented, suggesting alternative formulations. There is an exploration of the relationship between the terms and their sums, with some guidance offered on how to approach the problem of finding the sum of the first 20 terms based on the given information.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion over the notation and definitions, particularly regarding the nth term and the sum of terms. There is a recognition that the problem involves multiple equations and interpretations that may lead to different approaches.

UnD
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Lol it's quite easy but these questions r annoying me.
The 20th term of an arithmetic series if 131 and sum of the 6th to 10th term inclusive is 235, find sum is the first 20 terms
well
131= a + 19 d 5(2a+ 9d) -3(2a+5d)=235
well i just went on and solve simutalneosly and got the wrong answer for S(20), i don't know how to make it at hte butotm.
2) the sum of 50 terms of an arithmetic is 249 and sum of 49 terms is 233, find 50th term of the series.
249= 50a + 1225d and 233= 49/2 (2a+48d)
and well got the wrong answer aagain.
3) prove [itex]T_n = S_n - S_n_-_1[/itex]
I have no idea how to do that. Thanks
 
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UnD said:
...
well
131= a + 19 d
5(2a+ 9d) -3(2a+5d)=235
well i just went on and solve simutalneosly and got the wrong answer for S(20), ...
I have bolded the wrong equation in your post. In fact the sum of the sixth term to the tenth term is:
S6 - 10 = S10 - S5 = [tex]5(2a + 9d) - \frac{5}{2}(2a + 4d) = 235[/tex]
not
S6 - 10 = S10 - S6
UnD said:
2) the sum of 50 terms of an arithmetic is 249 and sum of 49 terms is 233, find 50th term of the series.
249= 50a + 1225d
233= 49/2 (2a+48d)
You are complicating the problem...
S50 = a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + a49 + a50
S49 = a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + a49
So what's a50?

UnD said:
3) prove [itex]T_n = S_n - S_n_-_1[/itex]
I have no idea how to do that. Thanks
I have no idea what Tn is... Is that the n-th term of the series?
Viet Dao,
 
your second equation is wrong. it should read 5a + 35d = 235; after that you can solve the system formed withthis equation et your first equation to find a and d
After that it should be easy to find the sum of the first 20 terms.
 
UnD said:
The 20th term of an arithmetic series if 131 and sum of the 6th to 10th term inclusive is 235, find sum is the first 20 terms
Concept of mean is often helpful in questions on arithmetic sequences.
Mean of n first terms of such sequence is
amean = Sn/n
If n is odd, amean is one of the terms of the sequence.
Which one?
Knowing that
a6 + a7 + a8 + a9 + a10 = 235
you can determine the value of a?.
Now you can find a1 from a? and a20 in one step.
a1 and a20 lead you straight to S20.
 

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