MHB Arithmetic Progression: Expressing d in Terms of x,y,z,n

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on expressing the common difference \(d\) of an arithmetic progression in terms of the variables \(x\), \(y\), \(z\), and \(n\). Given the equations \(a_1^2 + a_3^2 + \cdots + a_{2n-1}^2 = x\), \(a_2^2 + a_4^2 + \cdots + a_{2n}^2 = y\), and \(a_n + a_{n+1} = z\), participants derive a formula for \(d\). The final expression for \(d\) is determined through algebraic manipulation and substitution based on the properties of arithmetic progressions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of arithmetic progressions and their properties
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation and equations
  • Knowledge of sequences and series in mathematics
  • Basic skills in solving for variables in mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of formulas for arithmetic progressions
  • Explore advanced algebraic techniques for manipulating equations
  • Learn about sequences and series in greater depth
  • Investigate applications of arithmetic progressions in real-world problems
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying algebra, educators teaching sequences, and anyone interested in the properties of arithmetic progressions.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Let $a_1,a_2,\,\cdots,\,a_{2n}$ be an arithmetic progression of positive real numbers with common difference $d$. Let
(1) $a_1^2+a_3^2+\cdots+a_{2n-1}^2=x$
(2) $a_2^2+a_4^2+\cdots+a_{2n}^2=y$
(3) $a_n+a_{n+1}=z$
Express $d$ in terms of $x,\,y,\,z,\,n$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
We are given

$\sum_{k=1}^{n} a_{2k-1}^2 = x\cdots(1)$

$\sum_{k=1}^{n} a_{2k}^2 = y\cdots(2)$

Subtract (1) from (2) to get

$\sum_{k=1}^{n} (a_{2k}^2- a_{2k-1}^2) = y-x$

Or $\sum_{k=1}^{n} (a_{2k}- a_{2k-1})(a_{2k} + a_{2k-1}) = y-x$

But $(a_{2k}- a_{2k-1}= d)$ common difference so we get

$\sum_{k=1}^{n} d(a_{2k} + a_{2k-1}) = y-x$Or $d \sum_{k=1}^{n} (a_{2k} + a_{2k-1}) = y-x$Or $d \sum_{k=1}^{2n} (a_{k}) = y-x\cdots(3)$As $a_k = a_1 + (k-1) d$ for any k so we have$a_k + a_{2n+1-k} = a_1 + (k-1)d + a_1 + (2n+1-k-1)d = 2a_1 + (2n-1) d = = a_1 + a_1 + (2n-1) d = a_1 + a_{2n}$So $a_n + a_{n+1}d = a_1 + a_{2n} = z$So $a_k + a_{2n+1-k} = z$So$d \sum_{k=1}^{2n} (a_{k}) $
$= d \sum_{k=1}^{n} (a_{k} + a_{2n+1-k})$
$= d \sum_{k=1}^{n} z$
= dnz

So $dnz = y-x$

Or $d = \frac{y-x}{nz}$
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K