Question

Which calculation should be used to calculate s9 for the arithmetic sequence an=3n-1

Answer 1

Answer: Choice A

S9 = (9/2)*(2+26)

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The formula is

Sn = (n/2)*(a1+an)

where

Sn = sum of the first n terms (nth partial sum)

n = number of terms

a1 = first term

an = nth term

In this case,

n = 9

a1 = 2 (plug in n = 1 into the formula an = 3n-1 and simplify)

an = a9 = 26 (plug n = 9 into the formula an = 3n-1 and simplify)

So,

Sn = (n/2)*(a1+an)

S9 = (9/2)*(2+26)

will help us find the sum of the first 9 terms of this arithmetic sequence

Answer 2

Answer:

A. S9 = (9/2)*(2+26)