If (S_n-S_{n-1}=42), what is the value of (n)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 42
For the sum of the first n natural numbers, \(S_n=1+2+\cdots+n\) and \(S_{n-1}=1+2+\cdots+(n-1)\). Therefore, \(S_n-S_{n-1}=n\). Since the given difference is 42, \(n=42\). If n were 41 or 43, the difference would be 41 or 43, not 42. Exam tip: the difference between consecutive partial sums is always the newly added term.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
42
Why is this the correct answer?
For the sum of the first n natural numbers, \(S_n=1+2+\cdots+n\) and \(S_{n-1}=1+2+\cdots+(n-1)\). Therefore, \(S_n-S_{n-1}=n\). Since the given difference is 42, \(n=42\). If n were 41 or 43, the difference would be 41 or 43, not 42. Exam tip: the difference between consecutive partial sums is always the newly added term.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 Mathematics question. Chapter: Sequences and Progressions. Topic: Sum of first n natural numbers.
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