Problem

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Tags: induction, algebra unsolved, algebra



Let $a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n$ be real numbers lying in $[-1, 1]$ such that $a_1 + a_2 + \cdots + a_n = 0$. Prove that there is a $k \in \{1, 2, \ldots, n\}$ such that $|a_1 + 2a_2 + 3a_3 + \cdots + k a_k | \le \frac{2k+1}4$ .