Proving the sum of squared odd numbers

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the formula for the sum of squared odd numbers, specifically the expression \(1^{2}+3^{2}+\ldots+(2n+1)^{2} = \frac{(n+1)(2n+1)(2n+3)}{3}\). Participants reference a known formula for the sum of squares of the first \(n\) integers as part of their attempts to derive the required result.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various approaches, including examining the ratios of terms in the sequences and considering how to manipulate the known sum of squares formula. Some suggest subtracting the sum of squares of even integers from the total sum of squares to isolate the odd squares. Others discuss the implications of substituting values into the known formula.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing insights and suggestions. Some have provided guidance on how to approach the problem, while others express uncertainty about deriving the final formula. There is no explicit consensus yet, but several productive lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. The original poster and others have noted difficulties in connecting their attempts to the desired outcome.

Duderonimous
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Homework Statement


A problem out of "What is Mathematics" by Courant and Robbins

Prove that

1[itex]^{2}[/itex]+3[itex]^{2}[/itex]+...+(2n+1)[itex]^{2}[/itex] =

[itex]\frac{(n+1)(2n+1)(2n+3)}{3}[/itex]

Homework Equations



Prove this using

1[itex]^{2}[/itex]+2[itex]^{2}[/itex]+...+n[itex]^{2}[/itex] =

[itex]\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried seeing how the ratio of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd terms of each sequence change as one goes on in the sequence. Like 1/1 =1, 5/10 =.5, 14/35=.4, 30/84=.357142857143... I didn't get much insight there. I know I have to start with the second equation and divide or multiply it by something to get the first equation. Cant figure out that term would be. Any help would be great! Thanks.
 
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start with the 1^2 + 2^2 + 3^2 ... which you know the sum formula for to

and subtract 2 * (1^2 + 2^2 + 3^2 ...) from it to get 1^2 + 3^2 + 5^2

do you see the solution now?
 
Duderonimous said:

Homework Statement


A problem out of "What is Mathematics" by Courant and Robbins

Prove that

1[itex]^{2}[/itex]+3[itex]^{2}[/itex]+...+(2n+1)[itex]^{2}[/itex] =

[itex]\frac{(n+1)(2n+1)(2n+3)}{3}[/itex]

Homework Equations



Prove this using

1[itex]^{2}[/itex]+2[itex]^{2}[/itex]+...+n[itex]^{2}[/itex] =

[itex]\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried seeing how the ratio of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd terms of each sequence change as one goes on in the sequence. Like 1/1 =1, 5/10 =.5, 14/35=.4, 30/84=.357142857143... I didn't get much insight there. I know I have to start with the second equation and divide or multiply it by something to get the first equation. Cant figure out that term would be. Any help would be great! Thanks.

I don't see that looking at the ratios will get you anywhere.

You are given the formula for the sum of the squares of the first n integers. Use that formula to get the sum of the squares of the first (2n + 1) integers, and then subtract the sum of the squares of the first n even integers.

As a simple example, ##1^2 + 2^2 + 3^2 + 4^2 + 5^2 = (1^2 + 3^2 + 5^2) + 2^2 + 4^2)##, so
##(1^2 + 3^2 + 5^2) = 1^2 + 2^2 + 3^2 + 4^2 + 5^2 - (2^2 + 4^2)##

That last part can be simplified to ##2^2(1^2 + 2^2)##.
 
So. You have to find a formula for a sum over odd squared integers.
Start with [itex]1+2^2+3^2...+(2n)^2+(2n+1)^2[/itex] , which is going to be your sum of the odd squares plus 4*(1+2^2+3^2...+n^2). Then f(n)=1+2^2...+n^2 , you'll have f(2n+1)=x+4*f(n) (x being your odd sum).
 
Last edited:
Ahh! Thank you so much both of you. It's amazing how the solution is pretty much smacking you in the face, but nonetheless I am numb.
 
f(n)=(12+32+...+(2n+1)2)+(22+42+...+(2n)2)

[itex]\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}[/itex]=(12+32+...+(2n+1)2)+4(12+22+...+n2)

[itex]\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}[/itex]=(12+32+...+(2n+1)2)+4([itex]\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}[/itex])

(12+32+...+(2n+1)2)=[itex]\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}[/itex]-4([itex]\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}[/itex])

(12+32+...+(2n+1)2)=-[itex]\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{2}[/itex]

I can't figure out how to derive [itex]\frac{(n+1)(2n+1)(2n+3)}{3}[/itex]

Any help is appreciated!
 
Duderonimous said:
f(n)=(12+32+...+(2n+1)2)+(22+42+...+(2n)2)

[itex]\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}[/itex]=(12+32+...+(2n+1)2)+4(12+22+...+n2)
Just because
[itex]1^2 + 2^2 + ... + n^2 = \frac{n(n + 1)(2n + 1)}{6}[/itex]
doesn't mean that
[itex]1^2 + 2^2 + ... + (2n + 1)^2 = \frac{n(n + 1)(2n + 1)}{6}[/itex]
... which looks like what you are saying. What you need to do is plug in "2n + 1" for "n" on the right side of the formula:
[tex]1^2 + 2^2 + ... + (2n + 1)^2 = \frac{(2n + 1)[(2n + 1) + 1][2(2n + 1) + 1]}{6}[/tex]
Try it from here.
 
Thank you much.
 

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