Question 971762:  Write an expression for the apparent nth term of the sequence, assume that n begins with 1: 
-1,2,7,14,23... 
We know that we are to figure out the relationship between  n and the terms, but I just can't seem to figure it out.   
 Answer by josgarithmetic(39630)      (Show Source): 
You can  put this solution on YOUR website! Your dash sign at the start must be an accidental stray character.  There is a difference pattern showing.
 
 
1 to 2, added 1. 
2 to 7, added 5. 
7 to 14, added7...........
 
 
Now the dash must really be intentional. 
-1 to 2, added 3. 
2 to 7, added 5. 
7 to 14, added 7. 
14 to 23, added 9.
 
 
 
-1 to 2, added 3._______-1+2+1, n=2 
2 to 7, added 5._______-1+(2+1)+(2+3), n=3 
7 to 14, added 7.______-1+(2+1)+(2+3)+(2+5), n=4 
14 to 23, added 9._____-1+(2+1)+(2+3)+(2+5)+(2+7), n=5
 
 
Each term is based on a summation. 
You may be able to finish this on your own.  You will need to think carefully about each section shown above.
 
 
(2+1+(n-2)2), 
(2+(1+(n-2)*2)), represents the last expression added. 
Does this work for n=3?  n=5? 
Yes for n=3; yes for n=5.
 
 
NOTE:  The above shown work is a search for the pattern.  I DID NOT finish answering; I show there the effort of searching for the pattern.  Can YOU finish this? 
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