Is F(n) = 3+5+7...+2n Identical to F(n) = n(n+1)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of two mathematical expressions for the sum of sequences: F(n) = 3 + 5 + 7 + ... + 2n and F(n) = n(n + 1). Participants explore whether these two expressions are identical and seek clarification on their respective formulations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that F(n) = 2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 2n is represented by the formula F(n) = n(n + 1) and questions if F(n) = 3 + 5 + 7 + ... + 2n is the same.
  • Another participant points out a potential error in the first post, noting that the sequence of odd numbers ends with an even term, suggesting a misalignment in the formulation.
  • A third participant provides a mathematical derivation, stating that the sum of the first n odd numbers is n², illustrated by examples of summing sequences of odd numbers.
  • One participant questions the validity of claiming the two sums are identical, emphasizing that they are summing different sequences and providing a general formula for the sum of an arithmetic sequence.
  • Another participant expresses gratitude for the explanations provided, indicating engagement with the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the two expressions are identical. There are competing views regarding the correctness of the formulations and their implications.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the definitions of the sequences and potential errors in the initial assumptions about the sequences being compared.

goofyfootsp
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F(n) = 2+4+6=...+2n
I know the expression that represents the given function is F(n) = n(n+1),

my question is F(n) = 3+5+7...2n the same F(n) = n(n+1)< if not can anyone expain?

Thanks
 
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F(n) = 3+5+7...2n
Please correct! You have a sequence of odd numbers, but the end term is even!
 


This was gone into from General Math: Simple Sequences. The nth term is

[tex]\sum_1^n (2j-1)=n^2.[/tex] Or: 1=1, 1+3=2^2, 1+3+5 = 3^2, etc...
 
Last edited:


Why should they have the same sum when you are summing different numbers?

It is not to difficult to show that if you have any arithmetic sequence: an= a+ id, where a and d are fixed and i ranges from 1 to n, sums to n times the average of a1 and an: n*(a+ d+ (a+ nd))/2= n(a+ (d/2)(n+1)).

In the case of 2+ 4+ 6+ ...+ 2n, a= 0 and d= 2. The sum is n(0+ (2/2)(n+1)= n(n+1)
In the case of 1+ 3+ 5+ ...+ 2n+1, a= -1 and d= 2. The sum is n(-1+ (2/2)(n+1))= n2.
 


Thank you all for your help in explaining this, I appreciate it greatly.
 

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