I've been trying to solve the following problem:
Show that $1^2+3^2+ \dots +(2n+1)^2=\frac{(n+1)(2n+1)(2n+1)}{3}$ using the identity $1^2+2^2+\dots + n^2=\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}$.
I had the following idea, we write:
$$1^2+2^2+\dots + (2n+1)^2=\frac{(2n+1)((2n+1)+1)(2(2n+1)+1)}{6}=k$$
Let's pretend the identity we want to prove is true, then:
$$1^2+3^2+ \dots +(2n+1)^2=\frac{(n+1)(2n+1)(2n+1)}{3}=j$$
We take then $k-x=j$ and solve for $x$. If the given identities are true, $x$ must be the sum of $2^2+4^2+\dots+(2n)^2$, and we have that
$$x= \frac{2n (n+1) (2 n+1)}{3} $$
We still don't know that $x=2^2+4^2+\dots+(2n)^2$ but that can be easily proved by induction. I'd like to know: Is there some "neater" way that doesn't involve induction?
Despite the tag, I'd like to see an induction-free demonstration. I chose that tag because I couldn't think of anything better to choose.
Best Answer
Hint: notice that $$\sum(2k)^2=\sum4k^2=4\sum k^2.$$