Question

Find the sum of the following.

(4 – 1/n) + (4-2/n) + (4– 3/n) + ….

Answer 1

Given sum can be written as (4 + 4 + 4 + 4+….) – (1/n, 2/n, 3/n, …..)

Now, We have two series:

First series: = 4 + 4 + 4 + …… up to n terms

= 4n

Second series: 1/n, 2/n, 3/n, …..

Here, first term = a = 1/n

Common difference = d = (2/n) – (1/n) = (1/n)

Sum of n terms formula:

S_n = n/2[2a + (n – 1)d]

Sum of n terms of second series:

S_n = n/2 [2(1/n) + (n – 1)(1/n)]

= n/2 [(2/n) + 1 – (1/n)]

= (n + 1)/2

Hence,

Sum of n terms of the given series = Sum of n terms of first series – Sum of n terms of second series

= 4n – (n + 1)/2

= (8n – n – 1)/2

= 1/2 (7n – 1)