MHB Finding $S_{2013}^2$ from a Given Sequence

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The discussion focuses on finding the value of $S_{2013}^2$ from the given sequence where $S_n = a_1 + a_2 + \ldots + a_n$ and the relationship $S_n - \frac{1}{a_n} = a_n - S_n$ is established. Participants analyze the implications of the equation to derive expressions for $S_n$ and $a_n$. The conversation emphasizes the need to manipulate the equation effectively to isolate $S_{2013}$. A solution is proposed that successfully calculates $S_{2013}^2$. The thread concludes with a positive acknowledgment of the solution's clarity and effectiveness.
Albert1
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a sequence ${a_n>0}$ for all n

given :$S_n - \dfrac{1}{a_n}=a_n-S_n$

find :$S_{2013}^2$

where :$S_n=a_1+a_2+-------+a_n$
 
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One can easily find the first terms in the series:
\[a_1=\sqrt{1}-\sqrt{0} \\ a_2 = \sqrt{2}-\sqrt{1} \\ a_3 = \sqrt{3}-\sqrt{2}\]
Suppose this system holds for the nth level (n > 3): $a_n = \sqrt{n}-\sqrt{n-1}$ and let´s find $a_{n+1}$:
\[2S_{n+1} = a_{n+1}+\frac{1}{a_{n+1}} \\\\ 2(\sqrt{n}+a_{n+1}) = a_{n+1}+\frac{1}{a_{n+1}} \\\\ a_{n+1}^2 + 2\sqrt{n}\cdot a_{n+1}-1 = 0 \\\\ a_{n+1} = \frac{1}{2}\left ( -2\sqrt{n}\; \pm \sqrt{4n+4} \right ) \\\\ a_{n+1} = \sqrt{n+1}-\sqrt{n}\]
By the principle of induction $a_n=\sqrt{n}-\sqrt{n-1}$ and $S_n=\sqrt{n}$ for $n = 1,2,3,..$
Thus $S_{2013}^2 = (\sqrt{2013})^2 = 2013$
 
lfdahl said:
One can easily find the first terms in the series:
\[a_1=\sqrt{1}-\sqrt{0} \\ a_2 = \sqrt{2}-\sqrt{1} \\ a_3 = \sqrt{3}-\sqrt{2}\]
Suppose this system holds for the nth level (n > 3): $a_n = \sqrt{n}-\sqrt{n-1}$ and let´s find $a_{n+1}$:
\[2S_{n+1} = a_{n+1}+\frac{1}{a_{n+1}} \\\\ 2(\sqrt{n}+a_{n+1}) = a_{n+1}+\frac{1}{a_{n+1}} \\\\ a_{n+1}^2 + 2\sqrt{n}\cdot a_{n+1}-1 = 0 \\\\ a_{n+1} = \frac{1}{2}\left ( -2\sqrt{n}\; \pm \sqrt{4n+4} \right ) \\\\ a_{n+1} = \sqrt{n+1}-\sqrt{n}\]
By the principle of induction $a_n=\sqrt{n}-\sqrt{n-1}$ and $S_n=\sqrt{n}$ for $n = 1,2,3,..$
Thus $S_{2013}^2 = (\sqrt{2013})^2 = 2013$
very good solution :)
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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