What is the result of evaluating this sequence challenge?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Challenge Sequence
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a sequence of integers defined by specific rules, with a focus on the expression $\displaystyle x_1x_2\cdots x_{2011}-\sum_{i=1}^{2011} (x_i)^2$. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving related to sequences.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially defines the sequence ${x_i}$ with the condition $1
  • Another participant expresses gratitude for the correction and acknowledges the need for clarity in the problem statement.
  • A participant proposes a solution to the problem after the correction is made.
  • Another participant confirms the correctness of the previous answer, indicating agreement on that point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a correction regarding the definition of the sequence, and while one participant confirms the correctness of another's answer, the overall evaluation of the sequence remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes a correction of the interval for the sequence definition, which may affect the evaluation of the expression. The implications of this correction are not fully explored.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
A sequence of integers ${x_i}$ is defined as follows:

$x_i=i$ for all $1<i<5$ and

$x_i=(x_1x_2\cdots x_{i-1})-1$ for $i>5$.

Evaluate $\displaystyle x_1x_2\cdots x_{2011}-\sum_{i=1}^{2011} (x_i)^2$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
anemone said:
A sequence of integers ${x_i}$ is defined as follows:

$x_i=i$ for all $1<i<5$ and

$x_i=(x_1x_2\cdots x_{i-1})-1$ for $i>5$.

Evaluate $\displaystyle x_1x_2\cdots x_{2011}-\sum_{i=1}^{2011} (x_i)^2$.

Hi MHB,

I want to apologize for not checking the validity of the interval for this sequence because the first function should be defined at $1\le i \le 5$. But I wouldn't have noticed it if Euge didn't let me know of it. Therefore, I owe Euge a thank, and perhaps a cup of coffee as well?:o

The problem should read:

$x_i=i$ for all $1\le i \le5$ and

$x_i=(x_1x_2\cdots x_{i-1})-1$ for $i>5$.

Evaluate $\displaystyle x_1x_2\cdots x_{2011}-\sum_{i=1}^{2011} (x_i)^2$.
 
anemone said:
Hi MHB,

I want to apologize for not checking the validity of the interval for this sequence because the first function should be defined at $1\le i \le 5$. But I wouldn't have noticed it if Euge didn't let me know of it. Therefore, I owe Euge a thank, and perhaps a cup of coffee as well?:o

The problem should read:

$x_i=i$ for all $1\le i \le5$ and

$x_i=(x_1x_2\cdots x_{i-1})-1$ for $i>5$.

Evaluate $\displaystyle x_1x_2\cdots x_{2011}-\sum_{i=1}^{2011} (x_i)^2$.

Ok, here is my solution.

We have

$\displaystyle x_1 \cdots x_{2011} -\sum_{i = 1}^{2011} (x_i)^2$

$\displaystyle = x_1 \cdots x_{2011} - \sum_{i = 1}^{5} i^2 - \sum_{i = 6}^{2011} [(x_i - 1)(x_i + 1) + 1]$

$\displaystyle = x_1 \cdots x_{2011} - 55 -\sum_{i = 6}^{2011} (x_i - 1)x_1 \cdots x_{i - 1} - 2006$

$\displaystyle = x_1 \cdots x_{2011} - \sum_{i = 6}^{2011} (x_1 \cdots x_i - x_1 \cdots x_{i - 1}) - 2061$

$\displaystyle = x_1 \cdots x_{2011} - x_1 \cdots x_{2011} + 5! -2061$

$\displaystyle = -1941$.
 
Last edited:
Hey Euge!:)

Thanks for participating and your answer is correct! Well done!(Yes)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K