How do you find the sum of the terms of arithmetic -5, -3, -1,1......55?

1 Answer
Jun 12, 2016

We must first determine the number of terms. This can be done by using the formula t_n = a + (n - 1)d and solving for n.

Explanation:

55 = -5 + (n - 1)2

55 = -5 + 2n - 2

55 = -7 + 2n

62 = 2n

31 = n

Now, we can use the formula s_n = n/2(2a + (n - 1)d)

s_31 = 31/2(2(-5) + (31 - 1)2)

s_31 = 31/2(50)

s_31 = 31 xx 25

s_31 = 775

The sum of the terms is 775.

Hopefully this helps!