Question

\( 4+\sum _{k=1}^{n-1}(3k^{2}+k) \)

Ask by Carroll Parry. in Cambodia
Jan 23,2025

Real Tutor Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The simplified expression is \( n^3 - n^2 + 4 \).

Solution

Certainly! Let's simplify the expression: \[ 4 + \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} (3k^2 + k) \] ### Step 1: Break Down the Summation First, separate the summation into two parts: \[ \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} (3k^2 + k) = 3\sum_{k=1}^{n-1} k^2 + \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} k \] ### Step 2: Use Summation Formulas We can use the standard formulas for the sum of the first \( m \) squares and the sum of the first \( m \) natural numbers: \[ \sum_{k=1}^{m} k^2 = \frac{m(m + 1)(2m + 1)}{6} \] \[ \sum_{k=1}^{m} k = \frac{m(m + 1)}{2} \] Here, \( m = n - 1 \). Substitute \( m = n - 1 \) into the formulas: \[ \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} k^2 = \frac{(n-1)n(2n - 1)}{6} \] \[ \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} k = \frac{(n-1)n}{2} \] ### Step 3: Substitute Back into the Expression Now, plug these back into the original expression: \[ 3\sum_{k=1}^{n-1} k^2 + \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} k = 3 \left( \frac{(n-1)n(2n - 1)}{6} \right) + \frac{(n-1)n}{2} \] Simplify each term: \[ 3 \times \frac{(n-1)n(2n - 1)}{6} = \frac{(n-1)n(2n - 1)}{2} \] \[ \frac{(n-1)n}{2} \text{ remains as is.} \] Combine the two terms: \[ \frac{(n-1)n(2n - 1)}{2} + \frac{(n-1)n}{2} = \frac{(n-1)n[(2n - 1) + 1]}{2} = \frac{(n-1)n(2n)}{2} \] Simplify further: \[ \frac{(n-1)n(2n)}{2} = (n-1)n(n) = n^3 - n^2 \] ### Step 4: Add the Constant Term Now, add the constant term \( 4 \) to the result: \[ 4 + n^3 - n^2 = n^3 - n^2 + 4 \] ### Final Simplified Expression \[ 4 + \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} (3k^2 + k) = n^3 - n^2 + 4 \]

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Extra Insights

Did you know that the sum \( \sum_{k=1}^{n-1}(3k^{2}+k) \) can be simplified using the formulas for the sum of squares and the sum of the first \( n \) natural numbers? Specifically, the formulas are \( \sum_{k=1}^{m} k^2 = \frac{m(m+1)(2m+1)}{6} \) and \( \sum_{k=1}^{m} k = \frac{m(m+1)}{2} \). By applying these, you can express the entire summation in a more compact and computable form! Once you're comfortable with those formulas, try using them to simplify your original expression! It will lead you to a beautiful formula in \( n \), which can be super handy for calculations in various areas such as physics, economics, or even game theory. Plus, once you're familiar with how to manipulate sums, you'll find that working with series opens up a world of mathematical exploration!

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