TITLE: Finding the sum of series; sum of squares
QUESTION [5 upvotes]: Is there any way to find the sum of the below series ?
$$\underbrace{10^2 + 14^2 + 18^2 +\cdots}_{41\text{ terms}}$$
I got asked this question in a competitive exam.

REPLY [5 votes]: Let $$A=10^2+14^2+18^2+\dots$$ to 41 terms. Then $A=4B$, where $$B=5^2+7^2+9^2+\dots$$ to 41 terms. Let $$C=6^2+8^2+10^2+\dots$$ to 41 terms. Then $$B+C=5^2+6^2+7^2+\dots=(1^2+2^2+3^2+\dots)-(1^2+2^2+3^2+4^2)$$ where the sums go to $86^2$. Also, $C=4D$, where $$D=3^2+4^2+5^2+\dots=(1^2+2^2+3^2+\dots)-(1^2+2^2)$$ where the sums go to $43^2$. So you can calculate $D$ from Argon's last formula, then from $D$ you can get $C$; you can get $B+C$ from Argon, then $B$, then, finally, $A$.