What pattern can I use to find the sum of the first n odd?

The sum of the first ( n ) odd numbers can be found using the formula ( S = n^2 ). This pattern emerges because the sequence of odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, ...) forms a perfect square when summed. For example, the sum of the first 3 odd numbers (1 + 3 + 5) equals 9, which is ( 3^2 ). Thus, for any integer ( n ), the sum of the first ( n ) odd numbers is equal to ( n^2 ).