What Is the Smallest n Such That Sequence Sum S_n Exceeds 10000?

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  • Thread starter anemone
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In summary, POTW #407 is a problem that asks us to find the smallest value of n that satisfies the equation $S_n > 10000, where $S_n is a mathematical sequence. The date March 4th, 2020 is significant because it is the date the problem was posted. The purpose of finding the smallest value of n is to understand the behavior of the sequence and make predictions. There are various methods and formulas that can be used to solve this problem. Understanding the behavior of mathematical sequences has real-world applications in fields such as finance, science, and engineering.
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Consider the sequence of numbers 4, 7, 1, 8, 9, 7, 6, ... For $n>2$, the $n$th term of the sequence is the units digit of the sum of the two previous terms. Let $S_n$ denote the sum of the first $n$ terms of this sequence. What is the smallest value of $n$ for which $S_n>10000$?

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  • #2
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution!(Cool)

1. castor28
2. kaliprasad
3. lfdahl

Solution from castor28:
The sequence is defined by the recurrence relation $x_n=(x_{n-1}+x_{n-2})\bmod{10}$.
Looking at the first five terms, we observe that the period of the sequence is $3\pmod{2}$ and $4\pmod{5}$; the period is therefore $12$.

We list the first $12$ terms, and the cumulative sums:
$$
\begin{array}{c|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|r|}
n&1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8&9&10&11&12\\
\hline
a_n&4&7&1&8&9&7&6&3&9&2&1&3\\
\hline
S_n&4&11&12&20&29&36&42&45&54&56&57&60
\end{array}
$$
As each period contributes $60$ to the total, we need $166$ full periods, giving a total of $9960$. To reach $10001$, we must increase that total by at least $41$. Looking at the table, we see that we must include $7$ additional terms, giving a total of $10002$. The total number of terms is therefore $12\times166+7=\bf1999$.
 

FAQ: What Is the Smallest n Such That Sequence Sum S_n Exceeds 10000?

What is POTW #407?

POTW #407 is a problem of the week challenge that was posted on March 4th, 2020. It involves finding the smallest value of n that will make the sum of the first n terms of a sequence greater than 10000.

What is the purpose of this problem?

The purpose of this problem is to challenge mathematical and analytical thinking skills by finding the smallest value of n that satisfies a given condition.

What is the significance of n in this problem?

N is the number of terms in the sequence that needs to be added together to reach a sum greater than 10000. It is the variable that needs to be solved for in this problem.

What is the sequence used in this problem?

The sequence used in this problem is not specified, but it can be any sequence as long as it follows the given condition of the sum of the first n terms being greater than 10000.

What skills are required to solve this problem?

To solve this problem, one needs to have a strong understanding of mathematical concepts such as sequences, series, and summation. Analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities are also important for finding the solution.

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