How to find a difference polynomial?

datenshinoai
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Homework Statement



Let {a_n} be the sequence 3, 4, 8, 17,..., where a_0 = 3 and a_n+1 = a_n + (n+1)^2, n greater than or equal to 0. Find a polynomial such that a_n = f(n)

Homework Equations



f(n) = summation from r=0 to infinity of C(n,r) delta^r a_0

The Attempt at a Solution



I just have no idea how to start it. I have: f(n) = 3C(n, 0) + 4C(n, 1) + 8C(n,2) + something?
 
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Look at the differences
4-3=1
8-4=4
17-8=9

1,4,9,... is just the sequence for n2

So f(n+1)-f(n) = n2. If the difference has degree k, the actual polynomial has degree k+1 (something you should try proving) so find a cubic polynomial with this characteristic
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
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