Question:hard

Given that \[ \sum_{k=1}^{n} k(k-1)=\frac{n(n-1)(n+1)}{3} \] and $\omega$ and $\omega^2$ are complex cube roots of unity. If \[ \sum_{k=1}^{2026} \left( k+\frac{1}{\omega} \right) \left( k+\frac{1}{\omega^2} \right) = \frac{2026}{3}(N+3), \] then $N=$

Show Hint

For cube roots of unity: \[ 1+\omega+\omega^2=0 \] is the most important identity and is frequently used in simplification problems.
Updated On: Jun 17, 2026
  • $2025\times2026$
  • $2025\times2024$
  • $2027\times2025$
  • $2026\times2027$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Use the cube root facts.
For cube roots of unity, $1+\omega+\omega^2=0$ and $\omega^3=1$. Also $\dfrac{1}{\omega}=\omega^2$ and $\dfrac{1}{\omega^2}=\omega$.
Step 2: Simplify the product inside the sum.
So $\left(k+\dfrac1\omega\right)\left(k+\dfrac1{\omega^2}\right)=(k+\omega^2)(k+\omega)$. Open it: $k^2+k(\omega+\omega^2)+\omega^3$.
Step 3: Replace the known sums.
Since $\omega+\omega^2=-1$ and $\omega^3=1$, this equals $k^2-k+1$. So each term is simply $k^2-k+1=k(k-1)+1$.
Step 4: Add over all $k$.
The full sum is $\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{2026}\big(k(k-1)+1\big)=\sum k(k-1)+\sum 1$.
Step 5: Use the given identity.
Here $\sum_{k=1}^{n}k(k-1)=\dfrac{n(n-1)(n+1)}{3}$ with $n=2026$, giving $\dfrac{2026\cdot2025\cdot2027}{3}$, and $\sum 1=2026$.
Step 6: Take out the common factor and match.
Factor $\dfrac{2026}{3}$: the total is $\dfrac{2026}{3}\big(2025\times2027+3\big)$. Comparing with $\dfrac{2026}{3}(N+3)$ gives $N=2025\times2027=2027\times2025$. \[ \boxed{2027\times2025} \]
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