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Let a1, a2, a3, ... be an arithmetic sequence. Let Sn denote the sum of the first n terms. If S_5 = 1/5 and S_10 = 1/10, then find S_15.

 Aug 10, 2024
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avatar+1946 
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We can set variables up to solve this problem. Let's set 

 

From the problem, we can write the equations

S5=5a1+(d+2d+3d+4d)=5a1+10dS10=10a1+(d+2d++9d)=10a1+45d§15=15a1+(d+2d++14d)=15a1+105d

 

Simplifying the first 2 equations, we get the conditions

{5a1+10d=1510a1+45d=110

 

Solving this gives that d is -3/250 and a_1 is 8/125. 

 

Thus, we have

S15=15a1+105d=310

 

So -3/10 is our answer. 

 

Thanks! :)

 Aug 10, 2024
edited by NotThatSmart  Aug 10, 2024

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