Question

Charlize accidentally omitted two consecutive integers when adding the elements of the arithmetic sequence, $\{1, 2, 3, \ldots, n\}$. If the sum she obtained is $241$, what is the smallest possible value of $n$

Answer 1

The smallest possible value of N is 23.

According to the statement

we have given that the sequence {1,2,3.....n}

and the sum is 241. we have to find the smallest value of n.

So, for this purpose we use summation formula of an arithmetic sequence

Sn = n /2 ( a1 +an )

Put the values in it then.

Note that the sum of the first 21 integers  is   21 * 22 /2  =  231...this isn't large enough as compare to given value.

And the sum of the first  22 integers  =   22 * 23 / 2  =   253

So    253 - 241  =  12 = omitted sum.....  

but  the sum of two consecutive integers must be odd

And......the sum of the first 23 integers is  23 * 24 / 2  = 276

So.......276 - 241   =  35    = omitted sum

So....the   consecutive integers omitted must be  17  and 18

So....... the smallest value of n  is   23

So, The smallest possible value of N is 23.

Learn more about arithmetic sequence here brainly.com/question/6561461

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