Chapter 15: Problem 59
Find \(S_{8}\) for each arithmetic sequence described below. $$a_{n}=3 n+4$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sum of the first 8 terms of the arithmetic sequence is \(S_8 = 140\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the arithmetic sequence formula
In this exercise, we are given the arithmetic sequence formula as \(a_n = 3n+4\). Using this formula, we can find the value of any term in the sequence by plugging in the value of \(n\).
02
Calculate the first 8 terms
Now we will find the value of each term up to the 8th term, by plugging in \(n\) from 1 to 8 in the formula \(a_n = 3n + 4\).
(1) \(a_1 = 3(1) + 4 = 7\)
(2) \(a_2 = 3(2) + 4 = 10\)
(3) \(a_3 = 3(3) + 4 = 13\)
(4) \(a_4 = 3(4) + 4 = 16\)
(5) \(a_5 = 3(5) + 4 = 19\)
(6) \(a_6 = 3(6) + 4 = 22\)
(7) \(a_7 = 3(7) + 4 = 25\)
(8) \(a_8 = 3(8) + 4 = 28\)
03
Find the sum of the first 8 terms
Now, we will add all the terms we found in Step 2 to find the sum \(S_8\).
$$S_8 = a_1 + a_2 + a_3 + a_4 + a_5 + a_6 + a_7 + a_8 = 7 + 10 + 13 + 16 + 19 + 22 + 25 + 28 = 140$$
So, the sum of the first 8 terms of the arithmetic sequence is \(S_8 = 140\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sequence Formula
An arithmetic sequence is a series of numbers in which the difference between consecutive terms remains constant. This difference is called the "common difference." To define or express each term in such a sequence, we use the sequence formula. In our problem, this formula is given as \(a_n = 3n + 4\). Here, \(n\) represents the term number you're interested in.
- The sequence formula: It's a linear equation where each term can be calculated individually. It's set in the form of \(a_n = a_1 + (n-1) \, d\), where \(a_1\) is the first term and \(d\) is the common difference.
- Common difference calculation: In \(a_n = 3n + 4\), the common difference is 3, which we derive from the coefficient of \(n\).
Sum of Terms
The sum of terms in an arithmetic sequence can be calculated in a systematic way using a formula. This is crucial when dealing with a long list of numbers.
- Simple addition: To find the sum, like in our problem with the first 8 terms, you add up each calculated term.
- Using the formula: Alternatively, the sum formula for an arithmetic sequence is \(S_n = \frac{n}{2} (a_1 + a_n)\), where \(S_n\) is the sum of the first \(n\) terms, \(a_1\) is the first term, and \(a_n\) is the nth term.
Series Calculation
When we talk about the series in arithmetic sequences, we're mostly concerned with finding the total of a certain number of terms. This process is known as series calculation.
- Series definition: It's the sum of the terms in a sequence up to a specific point.
- The arithmetic series: Often expressed as the sum of the sequence, employs formulas to ease calculation. For example, handling an arithmetic sequence of 100 terms becomes simple using the series sum formula \(S_n\).
Linear Expression
A linear expression is a mathematical statement where each term is either a constant or the product of a constant and a single variable. In the context of arithmetic sequences, our sequence formula \(a_n = 3n+4\) is itself a linear expression.
- Understanding linear expressions: It's characterized by variables raised only to the first power. The graph of a linear expression is always a straight line.
- Role in sequences: It shows a constant rate of change between terms, which defines the essence of an arithmetic sequence.