How Can You Calculate 'c' for Given 'n' in This Number Series?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Big-Daddy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Series
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the value of 'c' in relation to 'n' in a specific number series. The initial values provided show a pattern where 'c' varies based on 'n', leading to a proposed formula of c=(n^2/4)+1. The challenge lies in adjusting this formula to account for odd values of 'n', requiring a function that subtracts 0.25 for odd 'n' and adds nothing for even 'n'. A solution was eventually found, suggesting the adjustment can be made using the expression -((1+(-1)^(n+1))/8). The thread concludes with the problem being resolved.
Big-Daddy
Messages
333
Reaction score
1
I hope the title is not too confusing. I couldn't think how to summarize this problem.

If n=2, c=2 (sum of 1+1)
If n=3, c=3 (sum of 1+1+1)
If n=4, c=5 (sum of 1+2+1+1)
If n=5, c=7 (sum of 1+2+2+1+1)
If n=6, c=10 (sum of 1+2+3+2+1+1)

My issue is, what is c in terms of n?

So far I've had an idea:

I could propose c=(n2/4)+1, but now I need some way of removing the extra 0.25 that crops up for all odd values of n. What I need now is a little piece which =-0.25 if n is odd and =0 if n is even.

Since (-1)n=-1 if n is odd and 0n=0, I would appreciate a function b of n such that c=(n2/4)+(b)n*0.25. b would evaluate to -1 if n is odd and 0 if n is even.

Alternatively any solution would be welcomed!

Edit: I've solved it, don't worry. [SOLVED]
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Big-Daddy said:
What I need now is a little piece which =-0.25 if n is odd and =0 if n is even.

How about -(\frac{1+(-1)^{n+1}}{8})
 
Suppose ,instead of the usual x,y coordinate system with an I basis vector along the x -axis and a corresponding j basis vector along the y-axis we instead have a different pair of basis vectors ,call them e and f along their respective axes. I have seen that this is an important subject in maths My question is what physical applications does such a model apply to? I am asking here because I have devoted quite a lot of time in the past to understanding convectors and the dual...
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top