2017 times a is a natural number

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the sum of a series with a specific pattern and the use of summation notation and partial fraction decomposition to simplify the computation. It also suggests recognizing patterns and using known identities, such as the one for the sum of consecutive integers. The overall goal is to find a way to easily compute the sum.
  • #1
giokrutoi
128
1

Homework Statement



category=5.png

find 2017 times A

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


the sum of last members denominator.is 2017 multiplied by 1008
the member before it is 2015 multiplied by 1008
before it 2015 times 1007
2013 times 1007
2013 times 2016
how can i move futher
 
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  • #2
Have you tried to write this equation in summation notation? The denominators can be written in a closed form, which the inverse can be taken of.
 
  • #3
giokrutoi said:

Homework Statement



category=5.png

find 2017 times A

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


the sum of last members denominator.is 2017 multiplied by 1008
the member before it is 2015 multiplied by 1008
before it 2015 times 1007
2013 times 1007
2013 times 2016
how can i move futher
$$A = {1 \over 1+ 2} + {1 \over 1+ 2 +3 } +\cdots + {1 \over 1+ 2+ \cdots +2016}$$
$$\color {red}{A + 1 = {1\over 1} + {1 \over 1+ 2} + {1 \over 1+ 2 +3 } +\cdots + {1 \over 1+ 2+ \cdots +2016}+ \cdots }$$

Find the nth term of 'red thing', then do partial fraction decomposition. You will a series that is very easy to compute.
 
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  • #4
giokrutoi said:
how can i move futher
A good first step is to try to spot the pattern. With just one term, it is 1/3. What is the sum of the first two? Of the first three?...
 
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  • #5
Haruspex has a good hint. A related hint is "about how big do you expect your answer to be?"
 
  • #6
Just one reminder, I guess you have been taught that ##1+2+...+k=\frac{k(k+1)}{2}##, because it should be easy to recognize that, but you don't even mention it in your post or at relevant equations.
 
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FAQ: 2017 times a is a natural number

1. What does it mean for a to be a natural number in the equation "2017 times a is a natural number"?

A natural number is any positive integer (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). In this equation, a must be a positive integer in order for the product to be a natural number.

2. Can a be any number in the equation "2017 times a is a natural number"?

No, a must be a positive integer because we are dealing with natural numbers in this equation.

3. What is the significance of 2017 in this equation?

2017 is a specific number chosen for this equation. It is a prime number, which means it is only divisible by 1 and itself, making it a useful number in mathematical equations.

4. Is there a specific solution for a in this equation?

Yes, there are infinitely many solutions for a in this equation. Some examples include a = 1, a = 2, a = 3, and so on.

5. How does this equation relate to natural numbers and their properties?

This equation shows that when a natural number (a) is multiplied by a specific prime number (2017), the product will always result in a natural number. This is a property of natural numbers known as closure under multiplication.

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