Sum the even numbers between 1000 and 2000 inclusive

  • Thread starter Thread starter Pual Black
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    even Numbers Sum
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around summing even numbers between 1000 and 2000, framed within the context of arithmetic series. Participants explore various methods and reasoning related to the counting of terms and the application of formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of arithmetic series formulas and question the correct number of terms to include in the calculations. Some suggest direct summation of even pairs, while others explore the implications of starting points in counting terms.

Discussion Status

There are multiple lines of reasoning being explored, with some participants providing guidance on counting terms and the application of formulas. The conversation reflects a mix of agreement and differing opinions on the methods to approach the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the counting of terms in different scenarios, particularly when starting from different numbers. The discussion includes considerations of whether to sum over an even or odd number of terms.

Pual Black
Messages
91
Reaction score
1
this is just an arithmetic series but with a small difference. i will show that below

The attempt at a solution
the general arithmetic formula
## S_N=\sum_{n=1}^\infty n##
for my problem
## S_N=\sum_{n=1000}^{2000} n ##
i have to rewrite it so i will just add the even numbers

## S_N=2\sum_{n=500}^{1000} n = 2\frac{n}{2}(first\,term+last\, term) =2 \frac{n}{2}(500+1000)##
now i have a problem
i think (n=number of terms) is 500 but if put this number i will get a wrong answer
if i put n=501 i will the right answer 751500

i have a similar problem
Sum the integers between 1 and 1000 inclusive
a=1
d=1
n=1000

## S_N=\sum_{n=1}^{1000} n =\frac{n}{2}(first\,term+last\, term)= \frac{1000}{2}(1+1000) =500500 ##

so why in problem one i have to put n=501 and in problem two i put n=1000
i think they are just the same but different values

i thought maybe n= last term - first term + 1
is that right?
sorry but i just started studying Infinite Series
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why use a formula? Just do the sum like this:
1000 + 2000 = 3000
1002 + 1998 = 3000
1004 + 1996 = 3000
...
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Pual Black
The number of terms from 500 to 1000 including both 500 and 1000 is actually 501. To make it easier to see, subtract 500 so we are counting the number of terms between 0 and 500 including both 0 and 500. Since you are starting at 0, and not 1, you actually have one extra term. In your second problem you start at 1 and go to 1000, so that works like you would expect and is just 1000 terms. If you started at 0 and went to 1000, you would have 1001 terms.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Pual Black
Your method is OK but you have to be summing an even number of numbers. The number of even numbers between 1000 and 2000 inclusive is odd, so the method doesn't work. So instead sum over the range 1002 to 2000, and then add 1000 to the result.
 
You are missing the point. You want to sum even numbers from 1000 to 2000. So sum all integers from 500 to 1000 and multiply by 2.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PietKuip
Pual Black said:
I thought maybe n= last term - first term + 1
Is that right?
Yes, that's right if d=1. If you're not sure, it's useful to check limiting cases to see if it's right. Consider a series with only one term so that first=last. You can see why the +1 has to be there.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Pual Black
andrewkirk said:
Your method is OK but you have to be summing an even number of numbers.
That's not true. The formula the OP is using works for both even and odd n.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Pual Black
PietKuip said:
Why use a formula? Just do the sum like this:
1000 + 2000 = 3000
1002 + 1998 = 3000
1004 + 1996 = 3000
...
This way i will spend hours just tipping numbers. Or i use your idea and make a formula from it.

ArcanaNoir said:
The number of terms from 500 to 1000 including both 500 and 1000 is actually 501. To make it easier to see, subtract 500 so we are counting the number of terms between 0 and 500 including both 0 and 500. Since you are starting at 0, and not 1, you actually have one extra term. In your second problem you start at 1 and go to 1000, so that works like you would expect and is just 1000 terms. If you started at 0 and went to 1000, you would have 1001 terms.

Ok i will just make this in future
n= last term - first term + 1

Thank you all for your fast answers
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ArcanaNoir
vela said:
Yes, that's right if d=1. If you're not sure, it's useful to check limiting cases to see if it's right. Consider a series with only one term so that first=last. You can see why the +1 has to be there.

Yes if i make this
n= last term - first term +1= 1-1+1 =1
And actually the number of terms is just 1

And if d is not equal to 1
I will make the same strategy and divide by d at the end

For example

First term = 1
Last term 1000
d=2
So n = 500
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
930
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K