Powers as sums of consecutive odd numbers, and the odd numbers they skip

For odd k, n^k is the sum of n^((k-1)/2) consecutive odd numbers. Listing these blocks for n = 1, 2, 3, ..., we study the number of odd numbers skipped between consecutive blocks. For k = 5 the skips are the triangular numbers; for k = 7 they are three times the square pyramidal numbers; for k = 11 they are fifteen times a weighted sum of octahedral numbers (OEIS A085461). In each of these cases every skip is a multiple of the first skip 2^((k-3)/2) - 1. We prove that k = 5, 7, 11 are the only odd exponents with this property, using Fermat's little theorem and Zsigmondy's theorem.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-09-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22730457
Primary Topic
Analytic Number Theory Research
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

Powers as sums of consecutive odd numbers, and the odd numbers they skip

David Varet
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Analytic Number Theory Research
preprint

Powers as sums of consecutive odd numbers, and the odd numbers they skip

David Varet
preprint en

Abstract

For odd k, n^k is the sum of n^((k-1)/2) consecutive odd numbers. Listing these blocks for n = 1, 2, 3, ..., we study the number of odd numbers skipped between consecutive blocks. For k = 5 the skips are the triangular numbers; for k = 7 they are three times the square pyramidal numbers; for k = 11 they are fifteen times a weighted sum of octahedral numbers (OEIS A085461). In each of these cases every skip is a multiple of the first skip 2^((k-3)/2) - 1. We prove that k = 5, 7, 11 are the only odd exponents with this property, using Fermat's little theorem and Zsigmondy's theorem.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Analytic Number Theory Research
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.