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.
Let's set some variables and make some observations.
Let's let d=a2−a1
Now, let's note something important. Note that
S5=5a1+(d+2d+3d+4d)=5a1+10dS10=10a1+(d+2d+⋯+9d)=10a1+45dS15=15a1+(d+2d+⋯+14d)=15a1+105d
These observations are really important for us to solve the problem.
Let's take two of these cases. We can write a system of equations, and we get
{5a1+10d=1510a1+45d=110
Now, we solve for a1 and d.
Solving this system of equations, we get
d=−3250a1=8125
Plugging this into S15, we get S15=15a1+105d=−310
So -3/10 is our final answer.
Thanks! :)