8.4 Finite series and sigma notation
Unit 8 · Sequences and series
Ideas in this lesson
Interpret sigma notation
The lower and upper indices specify every term included in a finite sum.
Arithmetic series
Multiply the number of terms by the average of the first and last terms.
Geometric series
For a ratio other than one, subtract a shifted copy of the sum to obtain the finite geometric sum formula.
Series applications
Count payments or repeated deposits carefully and distinguish an individual term from a cumulative total.
Original MathLab worked examples and fresh practice. Free with an account.