An infinite sequence of real numbers a1,a2,… satisfies the recurrence an+3=an+2−2an+1+an for every positive integer n. Given that a1=a3=1 and a98=a99, compute a1+a2+⋯+a100.
A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.
Solution
A quick telescope gives that a1+⋯+an=2a1+a3+an−1−an−2 for all n≥3: k=1∑nak=a1+a2+a3+k=1∑n−3(ak−2ak+1+2ak+2)=a1+a2+a3+k=1∑n−3ak−2k=2∑n−2ak+k=3∑n−1ak=2a1+a3−an−2+an−1 Putting n=100 gives the answer. One actual value of a2 which yields the sequence is a2=597303450449742745601954.
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