Dividing sequences

Algebra Level 2

Tom takes two sequences { 1 , 9 , 36 , 100 , 225 , 441 } \{1 , 9 , 36 , 100 , 225 , 441\} and { 1 , 5 , 14 , 30 , 55 , 91 } \{1 , 5 , 14 , 30 , 55 , 91\} . Tom divides the n th n^\text{th} term of the first sequence by the n th n^\text{th} term of the second sequence. For how many values of n n is the result an integer?


The answer is 1.

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1 solution

Freddie Hand
Jan 22, 2017

The nth term for the first sequence is ( n ( n + 1 ) 2 ) 2 (\frac{n(n+1)}{2})^{2} and the nth term of the second sequence is n ( n + 1 ) ( 2 n + 1 ) 6 \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6} .

After dividing, the answer simplifies to 3 n ( n + 1 ) 2 ( 2 n + 1 ) \frac{3n(n+1)}{2(2n+1)} . This has to be an integer.

g c d ( 2 n , 2 n + 1 ) = 1 gcd(2n, 2n+1)=1 so g c d ( n , 2 n + 1 ) = 1 gcd(n, 2n+1)=1

Also, g c d ( 2 n + 2 , 2 n + 1 ) = 1 gcd(2n+2, 2n+1)=1 so g c d ( n + 1 , 2 n + 1 ) = 1 gcd(n+1, 2n+1)=1

Therefore, for 3 n ( n + 1 ) 2 ( 2 n + 1 ) \frac{3n(n+1)}{2(2n+1)} to be an integer, 2 n + 1 3 2n+1|3 .

So n = 1 n=1 .

Looking back at the sequences, we see that when n = 1 n=1 , we get 1 1 = 1 \frac{1}{1}=1 which is an integer, so there is one value for n.

I also did this way, but i have a question, If n = 0, then x=0 , Hence it is a integer, you must write that n not equal to 0

Md Zuhair - 4 years, 4 months ago

Sorry wrong report, deleted @Freddie Hand

Md Zuhair - 4 years, 4 months ago

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