Alternative for calculating the nth of quadratic sequence Given the quadratic sequence
$$f(n)=1, 7, 19, 37, \cdots$$
To calculate the $f(n)$ for $n\ge1$. $$f(n)=an^2+bn+c$$
We start with the general quadratic function, then sub in for $n:=1,2$ and $3$
$$f(1)=a+b+c$$
$$f(2)=4a+2b+c$$
$$f(3)=9a+3b+c$$
Now solve the simultaneous equations
$$a+b+c=1\tag1$$
$$4a+2b+c=7\tag2$$
$$9a+3b+c=19\tag3$$
$(2)-(1)$ and $(3)-(2)$
$$3a+b=6\tag4$$
$$5a+b=12\tag5$$
$(5)-(4)$
$$a=3$$
$$b=-3$$
$$c=1$$
$$f(n)=3n^2-3n+1$$
This method is very long. Is there another easy of calculating the $f(n)$?

Take a better basis. Namely, $\{(n-1)(n-2),(n-1)(n-3),(n-2)(n-3)\}$. If $$f(n) = \alpha(n-1)(n-2) + \beta(n-1)(n-3) + \gamma(n-2)(n-3),$$
then:
$$f(1) = 0 + 0 + \gamma(1-2)(1-3),$$
$$f(2) = 0 + \beta(2-1)(2-3) + 0,$$
$$f(3) = \alpha(3-1)(3-2) + 0 + 0.$$
