Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation

Outcomes

In this lesson you will learn

The difference between a sequence and a series
the concept of partial sums
to express an arithmetic series using sigma notation
how adjustments to the upper and lower limits on the sigma sign change the meaning of the notation
how to factor a scalar out of a sigma notation

By the end of this section students will be able to :

demonstrate an understanding of recursive formulas
model problem situations using discrete structures such as sequences and recurrence relations
represent arithmetic and geometric sequences as ordered pairs and discrete graphs
represent a series in expanded form and using sigma notation
develop, analyze and apply algorithms to generate terms in a sequence
develop, analyze and apply algorithms to determine the sum of a series
demonstrate an understanding for recursive formulas, and how recursive formulas relate to a variety of sequences

To be successful in this lesson, it would be helpful to know the following:

how to write a non-recursive (explicit) formula for the terms in an arithmetic sequence and use it to generate more terms