Sequences & SeriesmediumPYQ · JEE Main · 2 Apr 2026 · Shift 1 (Morning)Free

Series with Σa_k = 6n³: Value of the Squared-Difference Sum = 91 | JEE 2026

JEE Maths question with a full step-by-step solution.

Question
If k=1nak=6n3\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{n}a_k=6n^3, then k=16(ak+1ak36)2\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{6}\left(\dfrac{a_{k+1}-a_k}{36}\right)^2 is equal to
Solution
Answer: 91 (± 0.01)
Step 1: Find ana_n from the partial sums:
an=k=1nakk=1n1ak=6n36(n1)3.a_n=\sum_{k=1}^{n}a_k-\sum_{k=1}^{n-1}a_k=6n^3-6(n-1)^3.
Expand: 6n36(n33n2+3n1)=6(3n23n+1)6n^3-6(n^3-3n^2+3n-1)=6(3n^2-3n+1), so
an=18n218n+6.a_n=18n^2-18n+6.
Step 2: Compute the difference:
ak+1ak=18[(k+1)2k2]18[(k+1)k]=18(2k+1)18=36k.a_{k+1}-a_k=18\big[(k+1)^2-k^2\big]-18\big[(k+1)-k\big]=18(2k+1)-18=36k.
Step 3: Then
(ak+1ak36)2=(36k36)2=k2.\left(\frac{a_{k+1}-a_k}{36}\right)^2=\left(\frac{36k}{36}\right)^2=k^2.
Step 4: Sum for k=1k=1 to 66:
k=16k2=67136=91.\sum_{k=1}^{6}k^2=\frac{6\cdot7\cdot13}{6}=91.
Correct answer: 91
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