What Is the Smallest n Such That Sequence Sum S_n Exceeds 10000?

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SUMMARY

The smallest value of \( n \) such that the sum \( S_n \) of the sequence defined by the terms 4, 7, 1, 8, 9, 7, 6, ... exceeds 10,000 is determined through the recursive relationship where each term is the units digit of the sum of the two preceding terms. The sequence continues indefinitely, and the members castor28, kaliprasad, and lfdahl successfully provided the correct solution to this Problem of the Week (POTW). The analysis of the sequence reveals that \( S_n \) grows rapidly, necessitating careful calculation to find the threshold exceeding 10,000.

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anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Consider the sequence of numbers 4, 7, 1, 8, 9, 7, 6, ... For $n>2$, the $n$th term of the sequence is the units digit of the sum of the two previous terms. Let $S_n$ denote the sum of the first $n$ terms of this sequence. What is the smallest value of $n$ for which $S_n>10000$?

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Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution!(Cool)

1. castor28
2. kaliprasad
3. lfdahl

Solution from castor28:
The sequence is defined by the recurrence relation $x_n=(x_{n-1}+x_{n-2})\bmod{10}$.
Looking at the first five terms, we observe that the period of the sequence is $3\pmod{2}$ and $4\pmod{5}$; the period is therefore $12$.

We list the first $12$ terms, and the cumulative sums:
$$
\begin{array}{c|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|}
n&1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8&9&10&11&12\\
\hline
a_n&4&7&1&8&9&7&6&3&9&2&1&3\\
\hline
S_n&4&11&12&20&29&36&42&45&54&56&57&60
\end{array}
$$
As each period contributes $60$ to the total, we need $166$ full periods, giving a total of $9960$. To reach $10001$, we must increase that total by at least $41$. Looking at the table, we see that we must include $7$ additional terms, giving a total of $10002$. The total number of terms is therefore $12\times166+7=\bf1999$.
 

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