Given an arithmetic sequence {an} with the sum of its first n terms denoted as Sn, and S3 = 15, a3 + a8 = 2a5 + 2.
(1) Find an;
(2) Let Tn represent the sum of the first n terms of the sequence {}, prove that Tn < .
Solution
(1) Denote the common difference of the arithmetic sequence {an} as d. From S3 = 15 and a3 + a8 = 2a5 + 2, we obtain:
3a1 + 3d = 15,
2a1 + 9d = 2(a1 + 4d) + 2.
Solving these equations, we get d = 2 and a1 = 3.
Hence, an = a1 + (n - 1)d = 3 + 2(n - 1) = 2n + 1.
(2) Proof:
The sum of the first n terms, Tn, is given by:
Tn = (1 - + - + - + ... + - + - )
= (1 + - - )
= - .
Since , we have Tn < .
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