Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
9. Sequences, Series, & Induction
Sequences
Problem 57a
Textbook Question
In Exercises 55–60, express each sum using summation notation. Use a lower limit of summation of your choice and k for the index of summation. a+ar+ar2+⋯+ ar^12
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1
<Identify the pattern in the series: The given series is a geometric series with the first term 'a' and common ratio 'r'.>
<Recognize the general form of a geometric series: The general term of a geometric series can be expressed as ar^k, where k is the index of summation.>
<Determine the range of the index: The series starts with ar^0 and ends with ar^12, so the index k will range from 0 to 12.>
<Write the series in summation notation: Use the summation symbol \( \sum \) to express the series.>
<Express the series as \( \sum_{k=0}^{12} ar^k \), where k is the index of summation.>
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Summation Notation
Summation notation is a mathematical shorthand used to represent the sum of a sequence of terms. It typically involves the Greek letter sigma (Σ) and includes an index of summation, a lower limit, and an upper limit. For example, Σ from k=0 to n of a_k indicates the sum of the terms a_k as k varies from 0 to n.
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Geometric Series
A geometric series is a series of terms where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number called the common ratio. The series a + ar + ar^2 + ... + ar^n can be expressed in summation notation, where 'a' is the first term and 'r' is the common ratio. Understanding the properties of geometric series is essential for correctly expressing them in summation form.
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Index of Summation
The index of summation is a variable used to denote the position of terms in a summation. It typically starts at a specified lower limit and increments by one until it reaches an upper limit. In the expression a + ar + ar^2 + ... + ar^12, the index can be represented by 'k', allowing us to express the series as Σ from k=0 to 12 of ar^k, where k indicates the exponent of r in each term.
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