Finding the sum of a series by grouping

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding the sum of the series defined by the expression (3n-2)^3 + (3n-1)^3 - (3n)^3. Participants suggest using mathematical induction as a potential method for solving the problem. Additionally, they discuss the possibility of regrouping terms to simplify the expression, leveraging the Associative Property of Addition. It is noted that using established summation formulas, particularly for cubes, can also aid in deriving the solution. Overall, the conversation emphasizes various strategies for tackling the summation problem effectively.
sooyong94
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Homework Statement


upload_2016-9-3_16-57-5.png


Homework Equations


Summation

The Attempt at a Solution


I know I could have simplified (3n-2)^3 +(3n-1)^3 -(3n)^3 and put the formulas in but I wonder is there any other method (I was thinking about grouping the terms, but to no avail) to work this out.
 
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sooyong94 said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 105435

Homework Equations


Summation

The Attempt at a Solution


I know I could have simplified (3n-2)^3 +(3n-1)^3 -(3n)^3 and put the formulas in but I wonder is there any other method (I was thinking about grouping the terms, but to no avail) to work this out.

You can use mathematical induction.
 
sooyong94 said:

Homework Statement


upload_2016-9-3_16-57-5-png.105435.png

Homework Equations


Summation

The Attempt at a Solution


I know I could have simplified (3n-2)^3 +(3n-1)^3 -(3n)^3 and put the formulas in but I wonder is there any other method (I was thinking about grouping the terms, but to no avail) to work this out.
Are you given a set of instructions for some group of problems?

As @Math_QED mention, it does look like a problem typically solved by using induction. However, if you have been given formulas for summing various powers of n, in particular n3, then you can do this using such a formula.
 
sooyong94 said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 105435

The Attempt at a Solution


I know I could have simplified (3n-2)^3 +(3n-1)^3 -(3n)^3 and put the formulas in but I wonder is there any other method (I was thinking about grouping the terms, but to no avail) to work this out.

Hey @sooyong94,

In your post, I do not understand what you mean by "could have simplified ##(3n-2)^3 +(3n-1)^3 -(3n)^3##. " Could you explain how this simplification method works to confirm the validity of the given equation (Problem Statement)?

If you have memorized summation laws (or have access to a table), then regrouping is always a viable way to try on these problems. Regrouping is just the Associative Property of Addition.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
sooyong94 said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 105435

Homework Equations


Summation

The Attempt at a Solution


I know I could have simplified (3n-2)^3 +(3n-1)^3 -(3n)^3 and put the formulas in but I wonder is there any other method (I was thinking about grouping the terms, but to no avail) to work this out.
you can write the terms as ##[(3n-2)^3 +(3n-1)^3 +(3n)^3] - [2(3n)^3]## and sum the terms in the brackets separately. What do you get if you write out the sum of the first brackets?
Then use the theorem ##\sum_1^n k^3=\left(\sum_1^n k \right)^2##.

https://proofwiki.org/wiki/Sum_of_Sequence_of_Cubes
 
##\sum_1^n{[(3k-2)^3 +(3k-1)^3 +(3k)^3]} =\sum_1^{3n}{k^3}##
and ##\sum_1^n{(3k)^3}=3^3\sum_1^n{k^3}##
Then use the theorem ##\sum_1^n k^3=\left(\sum_1^n k \right)^2##
 

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