What is the lowest sum for K=2 in this infinite sequence with specific criteria?

In summary, the conversation discusses an infinite sequence of natural numbers A where no K subsequences can have equal averages when adjacent. The question is posed about finding the sequence with the lowest sum for K=2. The suggested sequence is {1,2,1,3,1,2,1,4...} but it is unknown how to prove this. The idea of minimizing the sum of the first n elements divided by n is suggested.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Say we have an infinite sequence of natural numbers A such that no K subsequences can be found adjacent such that the average of the elements in any subsequence is equal for all K subsequences. Sorry about my poor description, an example would be that {2, 3, 4, 1} wouldn't work for K=2 because {2, 3} and {4, 1} are adjacent and both their averages are 5/2. {2, 3, 10, 4, 1} would work however because {2, 3} and {4, 1} are no longer adjacent. Anyway, my question is: which sequence that follows this has the lowest sum for K? If that's too general, then which for K=2? Honestly, any information on the behavior of this sequence would be great.


Homework Equations


None that I know of.


The Attempt at a Solution



It looks like for k=2 the lowest A is {1, 2, 1, 3, 1, 2, 1, 4 ...} but I have no idea how to prove that it is.
 
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  • #2
I don't understand what you mean by an infinite sequence having a lowest sum.
 
  • #3
You could find some value which might stay finite - for example, the sum of the first n elements divided by n, and try to minimize this.

Minimizing every single element before adding a new one, your series continues
1,2,1,3,1,2,1,4,2,1,2,5,2,1,3,1,2,1,3,4,1,2,1,7,2,3,1,2,1,5,1,2,1,8,2,4,2,3,2,1,5,4,3,3,2,5,4,2,5,3,1,2,9,1,7,2

The 8 is required, as a 3 would violate 1,4,2,1,2,5,2,1,3,1,2,1,3,4 next to 1,2,1,7,2,3,1,2,1,5,1,2,1,3 (groups of 14 elements each) and the other numbers would give problems easier to spot.
 

Related to What is the lowest sum for K=2 in this infinite sequence with specific criteria?

1. What is the lowest sum of a sequence?

The lowest sum of a sequence refers to the smallest possible value that can be obtained by adding all the numbers in a given sequence together.

2. How do you find the lowest sum of a sequence?

To find the lowest sum of a sequence, you would need to add all the numbers in the sequence together and then compare the sum to other possible sums from rearranging the numbers. The lowest sum would be the smallest result obtained.

3. Can the lowest sum of a sequence be negative?

Yes, the lowest sum of a sequence can be negative. This can happen if the numbers in the sequence are mostly negative or if the sum of the numbers is negative.

4. Is there a specific formula for finding the lowest sum of a sequence?

There is no specific formula for finding the lowest sum of a sequence. It would depend on the numbers in the sequence and their arrangement. However, there are mathematical techniques and algorithms that can be used to efficiently find the lowest sum.

5. Why is finding the lowest sum of a sequence important?

Finding the lowest sum of a sequence can be important in various mathematical and scientific applications. It can help in optimizing processes, minimizing costs, and determining the most efficient solutions to problems. It can also provide insights into patterns and relationships among the numbers in the sequence.

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