Unit

SEQUENCES
AND SERIES
1 Sn = 1

∞
 A + An 
Sn = n  1
 2 
G (1 − r n )
1− r

∑ n ( n + 1)
n =1


0.81 h
hm

Unit Outcomes:
After completing this unit, you should be able to:



revise the notions of sets and functions.



grasp the concept of sequence and series.



compute any terms of sequences from given rule.



find out possible rules (formulas) from given terms.



identify the types of sequences and series.



compute partial and infinite sums of sequences.



apply the knowledge of sequence and series to solve practical and real life
problems.

Main Contents
1.1 SEQUENCES
1.2 ARITHMETIC SEQUENCE AND GEOMETRIC SEQUENCE
1.3 THE SIGMA NOTATION AND PARTIAL SUMS
1.4 INFINITE SERIES
1.5 APPLICATIONS OF SEQUENCE AND SERIES
Key terms
Summary
Review Exercises
Mathematics Grade 12

INTRODUCTION
Much of the mathematics we are using today was developed as a result of modelling
real world situations such as meteorology in the study of weather patterns, astronomy in
the study of patterns of the movements of stars and galaxies and number sequences as
patterns of numbers.
Studying about number sequences is helpful to make predictions in the patterns of
natural events.
For instance, Fibonacci numbers, a series of numbers 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, … where
each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers, is used in modelling the birth
rates of rabbits.
In some number sequence, it is possible to see that the possibility of the sum of
infinitely many non-zero numbers to be finite.
For example, is it possible to find the following sums?
1 1 1 1 1
a 1+ 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + ⋯ + n +⋯ b 1+ + + + + ⋯ + +⋯
2 3 4 5 n
1 1 1 1 1
c 1+ + + + + ⋯ + n−1 + ⋯ d 1 + −1 + 1 + −1 + 1 + −1 + ⋯ + ( −1) n−1 + ⋯
2 4 8 16 2
This concept, which may seem paradoxical at first, plays a central role in science and
engineering and has a variety of important applications.
One of the goals of this unit is to examine the theory and applications of infinite sums,
which will be referred to as infinite series. We will develop a method which may help
you to determine whether or not such an infinite series has a finite sum.

 O PPEEN
NIIN
NGG P
PRRO
OBBLLE
EMM
A farmer has planted certain trees on a piece of land.
The land is in the form of an isosceles triangular region
with base 100 m and height 50 m. The trees are grown
up in different rows as shown in Figure 1.1.
In each row, the distance between any two adjacent
trees is 5 m. The distance between any two consecutive
rows is 5 m, too.
Figure 1.1

2
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

a How many rows of trees are there on the piece of land?

b How long is each row?
c How many trees are there in each row?
d What is the total number of trees on the piece of land?
To solve problems like this and many others, a detailed study of sequences and their
sums (called series) is required.

1.1 SEQUENCES

1.1.1 Revision on Sets and Functions

ACTIVITY 1.1
From your previous knowledge of sets and functions, answer the following
questions, discussing each point with your partner and /or teacher.
1 Define and discuss each of the following terms by producing examples.
a Set b Finite set c Infinite set
d Equal and equivalent sets e Countable set
2 Define a one-to-one function on the set of natural numbers onto each of the
following sets:
a The set of whole numbers b The set of integers
c The set of even integers
3 Show that the sets in 2 a, b and c are equivalent to the set of natural numbers.
4 Let S be the set of the first 10 prime numbers. Define a function
f : S → ℕ by f (n) = n2 − 2.
a What is the domain of f ? b What is the range of f ?
c Draw the graph of f.
5 Consider the Pascal's triangle.
row 1 1
row 2 1 1
row 3 1 2 1
row 4 1 3 3 1
th
Let f (n) be the sum of the numbers in the n row.
For example f (1) = 1, f (2) = 1 + 1 = 2, f (3) = 1 + 2 + 1 = 4.
a Evaluate f (10), f (15) and f (n) .
3
Mathematics Grade 12

b Plot the points with coordinates (n, f (n)) for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 on a

coordinate plane.
n!
6 Let f be a function defined on ℕ by f (n) = . Evaluate
2n
a f (1) b f (5) c f (10)
7 Define q on ℕ by q(n) = the integral factors of n.
Plot the points with coordinates (n, q(n)) for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 on a coordinate
plane.

1.1.2 Number Sequences

The word sequence, used in everyday conversation, usually refers to a list of things
occurring in a specific order. In mathematics, a sequence is viewed as a set of numbers
one comes after another in a given rule.
Recognizing and identifying patterns is a fundamental idea that appears in science and
mathematics. It serves as a fruitful starting point for analysing a wide variety of
problems.
Sequences arise in many different ways. For example, consider the following activities
and try to get the patterns.

ACTIVITY 1.2
1 The monthly rent of a machine, Birr 200, is to be paid at the end
of each month. If it is not paid at the end of the month, the
amount due will increase Birr 3 per day.
What will be the amount to be paid after a delay of
a 3 days? b 10 days? c n days?
2 What do you understand about a sequence?
3 Consider the function a given by
a (n) = 3n − 1,
where the domain of a is the set of natural numbers ℕ .
Then a(1) = 2, a(2) = 5, a(3) = 8, …
The function a is an example of a sequence.
Instead of the standard function notation, sequences are usually defined using special
notation. The value a(n) is usually symbolized as an.
Thus, we have an = 3n − 1.
The elements in the range of an are called the terms of the sequence; a1 is the
first term, a2 is the second term, and an is the nth term, or the general term of
the sequence.
Evaluate: a10, a15 and a25

4
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

In this section, we give the mathematical definition of a number sequence.

Definition 1.1
A sequence {a n } is a function whose domain is the set of positive integers or a subset
of consecutive positive integers starting with 1.
The functional values: a1 , a 2 , a 3 , ..., a n , ... are called the terms of a sequence, and
a n is called the general term, or the n th term of the sequence.

We usually write an instead of the function a(n) for the value of the function at the
number n, if n ∈ ℕ.
Notation:
The sequence { a1 , a2 , a3 ,..., an ,... } is also denoted by { an } or {an }∞n =1
Sequences can be described by;
i listing the terms. ii writing the general term.
iii drawing graphs. iv using recurrence relations.
Example 1
1
a By associating each positive integer n, with its reciprocal, , we obtain a
n
1 
sequence denoted by   which represents the sequence of numbers
n
1 1 1 1 1
1, , , , , ..., , ...
2 3 4 5 n
1
The general term is a n = .
n
n −1
1
b Given the general term a n =   , we obtain
2
1 1 1
a1 = 1, a2 = , a3 = , a4 = and so on. List up to the 10th term.
2 4 8
c Given certain terms of a sequence, say 2, 4, 6, 8, …, which one of the
following is the possible general term?
a n = 2n or a n = (n − 1)(n − 2)(n − 3)(n − 4) + 2n for n a positive integer.
Both general terms have the same first four terms; but they differ by fifth term.
Try to find the fifth and sixth terms for both general terms.
Example 2 Write a formula for the general term of each of the sequences.
1 1 1 1
a 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100, . . . b − , , − , ,...
2 4 8 16
5
Mathematics Grade 12

c 2, 0, 2, 0, 2, 0, . . . d 2, 7, 24, 77, . . . e 1, 3, 6, 10, …

Solution To write a formula for the n th term of a sequence, examine the terms and
look for the pattern. Each of you may come with several formulae; the
following are few of them.
n
 1 n
a an = n2 b an =  −  c an = 1 − ( −1)
 2
n
d an = 3n - n e an = ( n + 1)
2
Some sequences are defined by giving a formula for the n th term:
Example 3
∞
 n  n
a For the sequence   , the general term is a n = and terms of the
 n + 1 n=1 n +1
1 2 3 4 n
sequence can be given as , , , ,...., ,...
2 3 4 5 n +1
∞
 (−1) n  (−1) n
b For the sequence   , the general term is a n = and terms of the
 n n =1 n
1 −1 1 (−1)n
sequence can be given as −1, , , ,...., ,... .
2 3 4 n
Graphically, this sequence is described in the figure below.
an

an =
( −1)
n

Figure 1.2
∞
  nπ    nπ 
c For the sequence sin    the general term is an = sin   and terms
  3  n=1  3 
3 3 3 3  nπ 
of the sequence can be given as , , 0, − ,− , 0,...,sin   ,...
2 2 2 2  3 

6
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

Note:
 A sequence that has a last term is called a finite sequence. A sequence that does
not have a last term is called an infinite sequence. The domain of a finite
sequence is {1, 2,3,..., n} . The domain of an infinite sequence is ℕ.
For instance, 1, 2, 3, . . ., 10 is a finite sequence and 1, 2, 3, . . . is an infinite sequence.
Some sequences do not have a simple defining formula.
Example 4
a The sequence, { p n } , where p n is the population of Ethiopia as of Meskerem
1 in the year n.
b If we let a n to be the digit in the n th decimal place of the number 2 , then
{an } is a well defined sequence whose first few terms are 4,1, 4, 2,1,3,5,... .
Recursion Formula
A formula that relates the general term a n of a sequence to one or more of the terms that
come before it is called a recursion formula. A sequence that is specified by giving the
first few terms together with a recursion formula is said to be defined recursively.
Example 5 Find the first six terms of the sequence {an } defined recursively by a1 = 2
an −1
and an = for n ≥ 2.
n
1
a 2 a 1 a3 3 1
Solution a1 = 2, a2 = 1 = = 1, a3 = 2 = , a4 = = =
2 2 3 3 4 4 12
1 1
a4 12 1 a 1
a5 = = = , a6 = 5 = 60 =
5 5 60 6 6 360
1 1 1 1
Thus, the first six terms of the sequence {an } are 2,1, , , , .
3 12 60 360
Note:
 The values of recursively defined functions are calculated by the repeated
application of the function to its own values.
Example 6 The Fibonacci sequence f n is defined recursively by the conditions
f1 = 1, f 2 = 1, f n = f n −1 + f n − 2 for n ≥ 3.
Solution Each term is the sum of the two preceding terms.
The sequence described by its first few terms is
{1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, . . .}.

7
Mathematics Grade 12

 H IISSTTO
ORRIIC
CAALL N
NOOT
TEE

Leonardo Fibonacci (circa 1170, 1240)

Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci made advances in
number theory and algebra. Fibonacci, also called Leonardo of
Pisa, produced numbers that have many interesting properties
such as the birth rates of rabbits and the spiral growth of leaves
on some trees.
He is especially known for his work on series of numbers, including the Fibonacci
series. Each number in a Fibonacci series is equal to the sum of the two numbers
that came before it. Fibonacci sequence arose when he was trying to solve a
problem of the following kind concerning the breeding of rabbits.
“Suppose that rabbits live forever and that every month each pair produces a new
pair which become productive at the age of two months. If we start with one new
born pair, how many pairs of rabbits will we have in the nth month?”
Verify that the answer to the above question is the Fibonacci sequence discussed in
Example 6 above.

Exercise 1.1
1 List the first five terms of each of the sequences whose general terms are given
below, where n is a positive integer.
n +1
a a n = 1 − (0.2) n b an =
3n − 1
3(−1) n  nπ 
c an = d a n = cos 
n  2 
1
e a1 = 1, a n+1 = f an = 2 n − 3n + 1
1 + an

n nn
g an = ( −1) + 1 h an =
n!
i pn = the nth prime number.
j qn = the sum of the first n natural numbers.
k a1 = −1, a2 = 2, an+ 2 = na1 + ( n + 1) a2 , n ≥ 1

1
l a1 = 1, an +1 = for n ≥ 1.
1 + an 2
8
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

2 Find a formula for the general term an of each of the following sequences,
assuming that the pattern of the first few given terms continues.
a {3, 6, 9, 12, 15, …} b {2, 7, 12, 17, …}
 1 2 3 4 
c {0, 2, 0, 2, 0, 2, …} d  − , , − , ,...
 4 9 16 25 
e {2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, …} f {1, − 1, 1, − 1,…}
 3 2 5 
g {0, 1, 3, 7, 15,…} h 1, 2, , , , . . .
 2 3 24 
1 2 8 8 32 
i {0.2, 0.22, 0.222, 0.2222,…} j  , , 1, , , , 8, . . .
2 3 5 3 7 
1.2 ARITHMETIC SEQUENCES AND
GEOMETRIC SEQUENCES

1.2.1 Arithmetic Sequences

 O PPEEN
NIIN
NGG P
PRRO
OBBLLE
EMM
100 students registered to take an exam were given cards with numbers ranging from 1
to 100. There were four exam rooms: R1, R2, R3 and R4.
Students with card numbers
a 1, 4, 7, 10, . . . must be in R1; b 2, 5, 8, 11, . . . in R2;
c 3, 9, 15, . . . in R3; d 6, 12, 18, 24, . . . in R4.
The numbers in each room continue with a constant difference.
1 Find the total number of students in each room.
2 Are there any students assigned to different rooms simultaneously? If so, which
card numbers?
3 Are there students who are not assigned? If so, which card numbers?

ACTIVITY 1.3
1 Find the difference between consecutive terms for each of the
sequences given below.
a 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, … b 10, 15, 20, 25, …
c 10, 20, 30, 40, … d 1, − 9, − 19, − 29, …
2 Can you see ways of obtaining any terms in such a sequence, given the first term
and the difference between consecutive terms?
9
Mathematics Grade 12

Now, one can observe from the above activity 1.3 that the difference between each pair
of consecutive terms is a constant.

Definition 1.2
An arithmetic sequence (or arithmetic progression) is one in which the difference
between consecutive terms is a constant. This constant is called the common
difference. i.e., { An } is an arithmetic sequence with common difference d, if and
only if An +1 − An = d for all n.

From Definition 1.2, we observe that if A1 , A2 , A3 ,... An , ... is an arithmetic progression,

then, A2 − A1 = A3 − A2 = A4 − A3 = ... = An +1 − An = ... = d .
Equivalently, A2 = A1 + d , A3 = A2 + d , A4 = A3 + d , ..., An+1 = An + d , ...
Hence, A2 = A1 + d , A3 = A1 + 2d , A4 = A1 + 3d , ... , An +1 = A1 + nd , ...
Thus, we have proved the following theorem for the general term An .

Theorem 1.1
If { An } is an arithmetic progression with the first term A1 and a common difference
d, then the nth term is given by
An = A1 + (n − 1)d .

Example 1 Given an arithmetic sequence with first term 5 and common difference 4,
find the first five terms and the twentieth term.
Solution The first term of the arithmetic sequence is 5; hence A1 = 5
A2 = A1 + d = 5 + 4 = 9 A3 = A1 + 2d = 5 + 2 × 4 = 13
A4 = A1 + 3d = 5 + 3 × 4 = 17 A5 = A1 + 4d = 5 + 4 × 4 = 21
Thus, the first five terms are 5, 9, 13, 17, and 21.
To find the twentieth term, we can use the formula An = A1 + ( n − 1) d
A20 = A1 + 19d = 5 + 19 × 4 = 81.
Example 2 Given an arithmetic sequence whose first two terms are − 3 and 7, find
the next three terms and the fourteenth term.
Solution Since the first two terms of the sequence are − 3 and 7, we have A1 = −3
and A2 = 7 ; because the sequence is arithmetic
d = A2 − A1 = 7 − ( −3) = 10
Since An = A1 + ( n − 1) d , A3 = A1 + 2 d = −3 + 2 ×10 = 17
A4 = A1 + 3d = −3 + 3 ×10 = 27 A5 = A1 + 4d = −3 + 4 ×10 = 37

10
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

Therefore, the three terms following -3 and 7 are 17, 27 and 37.
The fourteenth term can be found by using the formula An = A1 + (n − 1) d
A14 = −3 + (14 − 1)10 = 127
Example 3 Show that the sequence {2n − 3} is an arithmetic sequence. Describe the
sequence graphically.
Solution Let An = 2n − 3 ⇒ An +1 = 2 ( n + 1) − 3 = 2n − 1
⇒ An +1 − An = ( 2n − 1) − ( 2n − 3) = 2, a constant for all natural numbers n.
Thus, {2n − 3} is an arithmetic sequence.
If we plot the set of points whose coordinates are {( n, 2n − 3) : n ∈ ℕ} , we get the
graph of the sequence.
An

−1
n

Figure 1.3
Observe that the graph follows the pattern of a linear function.
Example 4 A man bought a motor car for Birr 80,000. If the value of the car
depreciates at the rate of Birr 7000 per year, what is its value at the end
of the 9th year?
Solution The present value of the car is Birr 80,000. The rate at which the value
depreciates yearly is 7,000. Thus, the value at the end of the first year is
Birr 80,000 – Birr 7,000 = Birr 73,000.
The value at the end of the second year is Birr 73,000 – Birr 7,000 = Birr 66,000
and at the end of the third year it is Birr 66,000 − Birr 7,000 = Birr 59,000.
Thus, the values at the end of consecutive years form an arithmetic sequence.
73,000, 66,000, 59,000,…
with A1 = 73,000 and d = − 7000
⇒An = 73,000 – 7,000 (n – 1)
⇒A9 = 73,000 – 7,000 × 8
= 17,000
Therefore, the value of the motor car at the end of the 9th year is Birr 17,000.00.

11
Mathematics Grade 12

ACTIVITY 1.4
1 If a, c, and b; are three consecutive terms of an arithmetic
sequence, then c is called the arithmetic mean between a and b.
a Express c in terms of a and b.
b Find the arithmetic mean between 10 and 15.
2 If {a, m1, m2, m3, . . ., mk, b} is an arithmetic sequence, then we say that
m1, m2, m3, . . ., mk are k-arithmetic means between a and b.
Insert 5 arithmetic means between 4 and 13.

Exercise 1.2
1 Determine whether the sequences with the following general terms are arithmetic.
a a n = 4n − 7 b a n = 4n c a n = 5n + 3
7 − 4n
d an = n 2 − n e an = 5 f an =
3
2 Consider the sequence 97, 93, 89, 85, …
a Show that the sequence can be continued arithmetically.
b Find a formula for the general term. c Is 60 a term in the sequence?
th
3 The n term of a sequence is given by 7n - 3.
a Show that the sequence is arithmetic. b Find the 75th term.
c What is the least term of the sequence greater than 528?
4 Given an arithmetic sequence with A3 = 12 and A9 = 14 , find A1 and A30 .
5 Given an arithmetic sequence with A4 = 8 and A8 = 10 , find A1 and the common
difference d.
6 Given an arithmetic sequence with A4 = 5 and d = 6, find A1 and A9 .
5
7 Given an arithmetic sequence with A61 = 102 and d = − , find A1 and A30 .
3
th th
8 In an arithmetic sequence, if the p term is q and the q term is p, find the
(p + q)th term.
9 Find the total number of whole numbers that are less than 1000 and divisible by 7.
10 If n-arithmetic means are inserted between a and b, express the common
difference in terms of a and b.
11 A man accepts a position with an initial salary of Birr 18000.00 per year. If it is
known that his salary will increase at the end of every year by Birr 1500.00, what
will be his annual salary at the beginning of the 11th year?

12
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

1.2.2 Geometric Sequences

O PPEEN
NIIN
NGG P
PRRO
OBBLLE
EMM
The population of Ethiopia in 2001 EC was approximately 75 million. If the population
is increasing at a rate of 2% each year,
a what will the Ethiopian population be in 2020?
b what is the doubling period of the population?

ACTIVITY 1.5
1 Find the ratio between consecutive terms in each of the following
sequences.
1 1
a 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, … b 100,10, 1, , , ...
10 100
1 1 1 1 1
c −81, 27, − 9, 3, − 1, , ... d , , , , ...
3 2 4 8 32
2 Can you see how to obtain any term in such sequences, given the first term and
the ratio?
From Activity 1.5, you should have seen that the ratio between each consecutive terms is
a constant.

Definition 1.3
A geometric sequence (or geometric progression) is one in which the ratio
between consecutive terms is a non zero constant. This constant is called the
common ratio. i.e., {Gn } is a geometric sequence, if and only if
Gn +1
Gn +1 = rGn ; r ∈ ℝ \ {0} . The common ratio, r = for all n.
Gn

From the Definition, we observe that if G1 , G2 , G3 ,...G n , ... is a geometric progression, then
G2 G3 G4 G5 G
= = = = …= n = … = r
G1 G2 G3 G4 Gn−1
Equivalently, G2 = rG1 , G3 = rG2 , G4 = rG3 , ..., Gn +1 = rG n , ...
Hence G2 = rG1 , G3 = r 2 G1 , G 4 = r 3G1 , ... , Gn+1 = r n G1 , ...
Thus, we have proved the following theorem for the general term Gn .

13
Mathematics Grade 12

Theorem 1.2
If {Gn } is a geometric progression with the first term G1 and common ratio r, then the
n th term is given by Gn = r n −1G1

Example 5 Given the geometric progression 3, 6, 12, 24,…, find the next three terms
and the sixteenth term.
Solution Since we are given a geometric sequence, we first find the common ratio, r,
6
which is = 2. Note that we can use any two consecutive terms to find r.
3
Therefore, the term following 24 is 2 × 24 = 48,
the term following 48 is 2 × 48 = 96
and the term following 96 is 2 × 96 = 192.
The sixteenth term is found using the formula
Gn = r n −1G1
G16 = 216−1 × 3 = 215 × 3 = 98,304
Example 6 Find the seventh term of a geometric sequence whose first term is 6 and
1
whose fourth term is .
36
Solution First, you need to find the common ratio r, by using the formula
Gn = r n −1G1
1
G4 = r 4−1G1 where G1 = 6, and G4 =
36
1 1
=r × 6 ⇒ r =
3 3

36 216
1
This gives you r = .
6
6
1 1
Thus, G7 =   (6) = .
6 7,776
th
 1 
Example 7 A machine depreciates by   of its previous value every year. If its
 20 
original cost is Birr 100,000.00, find the value of the machine at the end of
the 6th year.
Solution The value of the machine at the end of the first year
100, 000.00  1 
= Birr 100,000.00 – Birr = Birr 100,000 1 −  .
20  20 
14
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

The value at the end of the second year

 1  100,000  1 
= Birr 100,000 1 −  − Birr 1 − 
 20  20  20 
2
 1 
= Birr 100,000 1 −  .
 20 
Similarly, the value at the end of the 3 rd year
3
 1 
= Birr 100,000 1 −  .
 20 
The values of the machine at the end of every year form a geometric sequence
2 3
 1   1   1 
100,000 1 −  , 100,000  1 −  , 100,000  1 −  ,...
 20   20   20 
Thus , the value at the end of the 6th year
6
 1 
= Birr 100,000 1 −  = Birr 73509.18906
 20 

ACTIVITY 1.6
1 If a, c, b are three positive consecutive terms of a geometric
sequence, then c is called the geometric mean between a and b.
a Find an expression for c in terms of a and b.
b Find the geometric mean between 4 and 8.
2 If {a, m1, m2, m3, . . ., mk, b} is a geometric sequence, then we say that
m1, m2, m3, . . ., mk are k-geometric means between a and b.
Insert three geometric means between 0.4 and 5.

Exercise 1.3
1 Decide whether or not each of the following sequences is geometric. For those
that are geometric, determine the nth term.
a 1, − 2, 4, − 8, . . . b 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, . . .
1 1
c − 2, 0, 2, 4, … d 9, − 3, 1, − , , . . .
3 9
e 0.9, 0.99, 0.999, 0.9999, . . . f 2x, 4x , 8x3, 16x4, . . .; x ≠ 0.
2

5 + 5 1+ 5
g 5 + 5, 1 + 5, , , ...
5 5
2 Given the geometric sequence 5, 15, 45,…, find the next three terms and the tenth
term.

15
Mathematics Grade 12

3 Find the eighth term of the geometric sequence whose first term is 5 and whose
1
fourth term is .
25
4 Find the fifth term of the geometric sequence whose first term is 1 and whose
fourth term is 343.
5 If x, 4x + 3 and 7x + 6 are consecutive terms of a geometric sequence, find the
value(s) of x.

Puzzle
A building company organizes a society to invest money starting from the first day of a month. If
the society invests 1 cent for the first day, 2 cents for the second day, 4 cents for the third day
and so on, with everyday investment being twice that of the previous day, how much will they
invest on the 30th day of the month? Calculate the total amount invested in the entire month.

Exercise 1.4
1 Determine whether the given sequence is arithmetic, geometric or neither.
1 5 11
a 4, 7, 10, 13, … b 2, 6, 10, 14, 20, 26, … c , , 2, , ...
2 4 14
4
d 1, 4, 9, 16, … e 2, -4, 8, -16, … f , 8, 48,...
3
g a n = 5 − 2n , where n is a positive integer.
1
h a n = , where n is a positive integer.
n
1
i a n = 2 , where n is a positive integer.
n
4n
j a n = n + 2 , where n is a positive integer.
7
2 Use the given information about an arithmetic sequence to find the common
difference d and the general term An .
a A1 = 3 and A5 = 23 b A6 = −8 and A11 = 53
c A4 = 8 and A8 = 10
3 Use the given information about a geometric sequence to find the indicated values.
a G1 = 10 and r = 2 , find G4 . b G1 = 4 and r = −3 , find G6 .
c G3 = 1 and G6 = 216 , find G1 and r .
1 1
d G2 = , G5 = − , find r, G8 and the general term Gn.
3 9
16
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

4 For any pair of non-negative integers a and b, show that the arithmetic mean
between a and b is greater than or equal to the geometric mean between them.
5 Find the first term of the sequence 4, 12, 36, 108, . . . which exceeds 20,000.
6 Find the first term of the sequence 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, . . . which is less than 0.0001.
7 Insert four arithmetic and five geometric means between 2 and 20.
8 If x, 4, y are in geometric progression and x, 5, y, are in arithmetic progression,
determine the value(s) of x and y.
9 If { g n } is a geometric sequence with g n > 0 for all n ∈ ℕ , then prove that {ln g n }
is an arithmetic sequence.

1.3 THE SIGMA NOTATION AND PARTIAL SUMS

 O PPEEN
NIIN
NGG P
PRRO
OBBLLE
EMM
As we know, each of us has parents, grandparents, great grandparents, great - great
grandparents and so on. What is the total number of such relatives you have from your
parents to your tenth grandparents?
In the previous section, you were interested in the individual terms of a sequence. In this
section, you describe the process of adding the terms of a sequence. i.e., given a sequence
{a n } , you are interested in finding the sum of the first n terms called the partial sum,
denoted by S n . Thus if a1 , a 2 , a 3 , ..., a n , ... are the terms of the sequence, then you put;

S1 = a1 , S1 is the first term of the sequence.

S 2 = a1 + a2 , S2 is the sum of the first two terms of the sequence.
S3 = a1 + a2 + a3 , S3 is the sum of the first three terms of the sequence.
S 4 = a1 + a2 + a3 + a4 , S4 is the sum of the first four terms of the sequence.
and so on.
Sn = a1 + a2 + a3 + a4 + … + an, S n is the sum of the first n terms of the sequence.
Example 1 Find the sum of the first
a 5 natural numbers.
Hence, S 5 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15 .
b 10 natural numbers that are multiples of 3.
Hence, S10 = 3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 + 18 + 21 + 24 + 27 + 30 = 165 .

17
Mathematics Grade 12

Example 2 Given the general term, a n = 3n − 5 , find

a the sum of the first 6 terms. b the sum of the first 10 terms.
Solution
a The first 6 terms of the sequence a n = 3n − 5 are − 2, 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13.
Hence, S6 = −2 + 1 + 4 + 7 + 10 + 13 = 33.
b The first 10 terms of the sequence a n = 3n − 5 are
− 2, 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21 and 24.
Hence, S10 = −2 + 1 + 4 + 7 + 10 + 13 + 16 + 19 + 21 + 24 = 113
1 1
Example 3 Given the general term a n = − , find the sum of the first,
n n +1
a 99 terms b n-terms
Solution
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
a S99 = (1 − ) + ( − ) + ( − ) + ... + ( − ) = 1− = 0.99
2 2 3 3 4 99 100 100
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 n
b S n = 1 − + − + − ... + − + − = 1− =
2 2 3 3 n −1 n n n +1 n +1 n +1
1 2 10 99
So that S1 = , S 2 = , S10 = , S99 = , . . . etc.
2 3 11 100
Note:
 Such a sequence is said to be telescoping sequence.
When you have a formula for the general term of a sequence, you can express the sum
of the first n-terms of the sequence in a more compact form using a special notation for
sums. The Greek (upper case) letter sigma, ∑ often called the summation symbol, is
used along with the general term of the sequence.
Notation:
n
∑ ai = a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an
i =1
In this notation, i is called index of the summation or simply the index. 1 is the lower
limit and n is the upper limit.

Definition 1.4
Let {a n }∞n=1 be a sequence, the sum of the first n terms of the sequence, denoted
by S n , is called the partial sum of the sequence.

18
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

Notation:
n
Sn = ∑ ai = a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an
i =1

Since sigma notation is merely a shorthand way of denoting a sum, we can restate some
of the real number properties using sigma notation.
Properties of ∑
n n n n n
1 ∑ cak = c∑ ak , where c is a constant.
k =1 k =1
2 ∑ (ak + bk ) = ∑ ak +∑ bk
k =1 k =1 k =1
n n n
3 ∑ (a
k =1
k − bk ) = ∑ ak −∑ bk
k =1 k =1
n m n
4 ∑a = ∑a + ∑
k =1
k
k =1
k
k = m +1
ak , where 1 ≤ m<n.

Example 4 Evaluate each of the following.

10 10 6 10
a ∑ 3i b ∑ (5 j − 4 ) c 4∑ k 2 + 4∑ k 2
i =1 j =3 k =1 k =7

Solution
10
a ∑ 3i = 3(1) + 3(2) + 3(3) + 3(4) + 3(5) + 3(6) + 3(7) + 3(8) + 3(9) + 3(10)
i =1
= 3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 + 18 + 21 + 24 + 27 + 30 = 165
10
Whereas 3∑ i = 3 (1 + 2 + 3 + . . . + 10 ) = 3 × 55 = 165
i =1
10
b ∑ (5 j − 4) = 5(3) − 4 + 5(4) − 4 + 5(5) − 4 + 5(6) − 4 + 5(7) − 4 + 5(8) − 4 + 5(9) − 4 + 5(10) − 4
j =3

= 11 + 16 + 21 + 26 + 31 + 36 + 41 + 46 = 228
10 10
Whereas 5∑ j − ∑ 4 = 5 ( 3 + 4 + 5 + ⋯ + 10 ) − ( 4 + 4 + ⋯ + 4 ) = 5 × 52 − 4 × 8 = 228
j =3 j =3
 
8 − times
10
c ∑ 4k
k =1
2
= 4(12 ) + 4(22 ) + 4(32 ) + ⋯ + 4(102 )

= 4 (1 + 4 + 9 + . . . + 100 ) = 4 ( 385 ) = 1540

6 10
Whereas 4∑ k 2 + 4∑ k 2 = 4 ( 91) + 4 ( 294 ) = 1540
k =1 k =7

Example 5 Given a sequence for which a n = 2n 3 , evaluate

a S4 b S6
Solution
4 4
a S4 = ∑ 2k
k =1
3
= 2∑ k 3 = 2(13 + 2 3 + 33 + 4 3 ) = 200
k =1

19
Mathematics Grade 12

6 6 4 6
b S6 = ∑ 2k 3 = 2∑ k 3 = 2∑ k 3 + 2∑ k 3 = 2(13 + 23 + 33 + 43 ) + 2(53 + 63 )
k =1 k =1 k =1 k =5

= 200 + 682 = 882.

Exercise 1.5
1 Use the given sequence or general term to find the indicated sum S n .
a 3, 7, 11, 15, …; S 6 b − 8, − 3, 2, 7, …; S 5
c − 2, 0, 2, 4, 6, …; S 6 d 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, …; S 6 , S10 , S 20
1 1 1
e 1, , , ,...; S 6 , S10 , S 20 , S100 . Can you guess what S n is?
2 4 8
f a n = 3n + 1 , where n is a positive integer; S 6 , S10 , S 20 , S100 .
g a n = 2 n − 1 , where n is a positive integer; S 6 , S10 , S 20 , S100 .
 n 
h an = log   , where n is a positive integer; S 6 , S10 , S 20 , S100 .
 n +1 
n n +1
i an = − , where n is a positive integer; S 6 , S10 , S 20 , S100 .
n +1 n + 2
Can you give a formula for S n ?
2 Rewrite each sum without using sigma notation; then calculate each sum.
5 4 6 8
a ∑n
n =1
b ∑ 4( k + 2)
k =1
c ∑ 5(k − 1)
k =1
d ∑ 3k
k =1
6 5 5 10
e ∑k
k =2
2
f ∑k
k =3
3
g ∑4
k =1
h ∑7
k =3
10
2 2  8
 n +1 6
i ∑m =1

 m
−
m + 1


j ∑n =1
log 3
 n


k ∑k =1
log8 2k

3 Use the sigma notation to represent the sum of the first n terms of the given
sequences.
a 4, 8, 12, …, 4k, … for n = 5. b 2, 5, 8, …, 3k−1, … for n = 8.
c 2, 8, 18, …, 2k 2 , … for n = 7. d 7, 9, 11, …, (2k + 5), … for n = 10.
4 Express the given sums using sigma notation.
a 2 + 6 + 10 + 14 + 18 b 5 + 25 + 125 + 625
c 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + … + 51 d 4 + 7 + 10 + 13 + … + 52
1 1 1 1 2 4 6 20
e + + + ... + f + + + ... +
2 2× 3 3× 4 99 ×100 5 9 13 41

20
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

1.3.1 Sum of Arithmetic Progressions

The particular structure of an arithmetic progression allowed you to develop a formula
for its general term An . This same structure allows you to develop formulae for S n , the
sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression.
You begin by examining a special arithmetic sequence, 1, 2, 3, 4,…,n,… and its
associated sum S n .
S n = 1+ 2+ 3+ …+ n, the sum of the first n terms (n natural numbers).
For n = 100, that is, S100 = 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + 98 + 99 + 100
Write the sum in reverse order S100 = 100 + 99 + 98 + ... + 3 + 2 + 1
Adding the two sums together, we get 2 S100 = 101 + 101 + 101 + ... + 101 + 101 + 101
i.e., 2 S100 = 100 × 101 .
1
Therefore, S100 = 100(101) = 5050.
2

 H IISSTTO
ORRIIC
CAALL N
NOOT
TEE

Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855)

A teacher of Gauss, at his elementary school, asked him to add all
the integers from 1 to 100. When Gauss returned with the correct
answer after only a few moments, the teacher could only look at
him in astounded silence. This is what Gauss did:
1+ 2 + 3 + . . . + 100
100 + 99 + 98 + . . . + 1
101 + 101 + 101 + . . . + 101
100 × 101
= 5050
2
You can generalize this approach and derive a formula for the sum S n , of the first n
natural numbers. You follow the same steps as you just did for S100 .
S n = 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + (n − 2) + (n − 1) + n
Write the sum in reverse order: S n = n + (n − 1) + (n − 2) + ... + 3 + 2 + 1
Add the two sums together: 2 S n = (n + 1) + (n + 1) + ... + (n + 1) + (n + 1)
n
Therefore, you have 2 S n = n(n + 1) and so, S n = (n + 1).
2

21
Mathematics Grade 12

Thus, you have derived the following formula.

The sum of the first n positive integers is given by,
n
(n + 1) .
S n = 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n =
2
Example 6 Find the sum of the first
a 30 natural numbers. b 150 natural numbers.
Solution
n 30
a Using formula, S n = (n + 1) , S30 = (30 + 1) = 15(31) = 465
2 2
n 150
b Using formula, S n = (n + 1) S150 = (150 + 1) = 75(151) = 11,325 .
2 2
You can now derive the general formula for the sum S n of the first n terms of an
arithmetic progression.
That is, S n = A1 + A2 + A3 + ... + An , where { An }∞n=1 is an arithmetic sequence.
But then, An = A1 + (n − 1)d , where d is the common difference and so,
S n = A1 + ( A1 + d ) + ( A1 + 2d ) + ( A1 + 3d ) + ... + ( A1 + (n − 1)d )
By collecting all the A1 terms (there are n of them) we get,
S n = nA1 + [d + 2d + 3d + ... + (n − 1)d ]
Now factoring out d from within the brackets,
S n = nA1 + d [1 + 2 + 3 + ... + (n − 1)]
Inside the brackets, you have the sum of the first (n−1) positive integers. Thus by
n
using the formula, S n = (n + 1) , you get
2
 n −1 2nA1 + n(n − 1)d n[2 A1 + (n − 1)d ]
S n = nA1 + d  n = =
 2  2 2
Hence, you have proved the following theorem.

Theorem 1.3
The sum S n of the first n terms of an arithmetic sequence with first term A1 and
common difference d is:
n
n
S n = ∑ Ak = [2 A1 + (n − 1)d ].
k =1 2

This formula can also be written as

22
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

n n  A + An 
Sn = ( A1 + ( A1 + (n − 1)d ) ) = ( A1 + An ) = n  1 ,
2 2  2 
where An is the n th term. This alternative formula is useful when the first and the
last terms are known.
Example 7 Given the arithmetic sequence: 3, 7, 11, 15, …, find
a S 20 b S80
Solution
a Since the given sequence is an arithmetic sequence with A1 = 3 and
common difference d = 4, you can substitute these values in the formula
n
n
S n = ∑ Ak = [2 A1 + (n − 1)d ]
k =1 2
20
20
Thus, S 20 = ∑ Ak = ( 2(3) + (20 − 1)4 ) = 10 ( 6 + 19(4) ) = 10(82) = 820.
k =1 2
n
n
b S n = ∑ Ak = [2 A1 + (n − 1)d ]
k =1 2
80
80
S80 = ∑ Ak = ( 2(3) + (80 − 1)4 ) = 40 ( 6 + 79(4) ) = 12,880.
k =1 2
Example 8 Find the sum of the first 35 terms of the sequence whose general term
is An = 5n .
Solution From the general term, we get A1 = 5 and A35 = 5(35) = 175.
Since we can easily identify the first and the 35th term, we use the formula,
n  A + An 
S n = ( A1 + An ) = n 1 
2  2 
Thus substituting, A1 = 5 , and A35 = 175 , we get
35  5 + 175 
S35 = (5 + 175) = 35   = 35(90) = 3,150.
2  2 
Try to find the sum of this sequence using the other formula
n
n
S n = ∑ Ak = [ 2 A1 + (n − 1) d ] . Which formula is easier to use in this example?
k =1 2
Example 9 If the nth partial sum of an arithmetic sequence {an } is 3n2, find an.
Solution Notice that a n = Sn – Sn – 1. (Explain)
2
⇒ an = 3n − 3 ( n − 1) = 6n − 3.
2

23
Mathematics Grade 12

Example 10 A water reservoir is being filled with water at the rate of 4000 m3/hr for
the first hour, 5000 m3/hr for the second hour, 6,000m3/hr for the third
hour and it increases by 1000 m3/hr at the end of every hour. It is
completely filled in 8 hours. Find the capacity of the reservoir.
Solution Observe the sequence of the volumes of water being filled at the end of
every hour 4,000m3, 5,000m3, 6,000m3, …, form an arithmetic sequence
with A1 = 4,000 and d = 1,000.
The volume of water being filled in 8 hours is
8
S8 = (2 × 4,000 + 7 × 1,000) m3 = 60,000 m3.
2
Thus, the capacity of the reservoir is 60,000 m3.

1.3.2 Sum of Geometric Progressions

The particular structure of a geometric progression allowed you to develop a formula
for its general term Gn .This same structure allows you to develop formulae for S n , the
sum of the first n terms of a geometric progression, as you did for arithmetic
progressions.
If {Gn }∞n=1 is a geometric sequence, then its associated geometric sum, S n is
S n = G1 + G 2 + G3 + ... + G n−1 + G n
As with the case of the sum of arithmetic sequence, we can find a formula to describe a
geometric sum which is associated with a geometric sequence.
Let {Gn }∞n=1 be a geometric sequence with common ratio r, then Gn = r n −1G1 for each n.
Thus, S n = G1 + G2 + G3 + ... + Gn −1 + Gn implies that
S n = G1 + rG1 + r 2 G1 + ... + r n− 2 G1 + r n −1G1
Factoring out G1 , you get
S n = G1 (1 + r + r 2 + ... + r n −2 + r n −1 )
rS n = G1 (r + r 2 + r 3 + ... + r n−1 + r n ) Multiplying both sides by r

S n − rS n = G1 (1 + r + r 2 + ... + r n −2 + r n−1 ) − G1 (r + r 2 + r 3 + ... + r n−1 + r n ) Subtracting

rS n from Sn
G1 (1 − r n )
(1 − r )S n = G1 (1 − r n ) , and so S n = for r ≠ 1
1− r
Thus, you have proved the following theorem:

24
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

Theorem 1.4
Let {Gn }n∞=1 be a geometric sequence with common ratio r. Then the sum of the first n
terms Sn is given by,
 nG1 , if r =1.

S n =  (1 − r n ) (r n − 1)
G1 = G1 , if r ≠ 1.
 1− r r −1
Example 11 Given the geometric sequence: 1, 3, 9, 27, …, find
a S5 b S10
Solution
a From the given sequence G1 = 1 and r = 3, thus using the formula
G1 (1 − r n ) 1(1 − 35 ) −242
Sn = , you get S5 = = = 121.
1− r 1− 3 −2
G (1 − r n )
b By using the same formula as in a, S n = 1 , we get
1− r
1(1 − 310 ) − 59048
S10 = = = 29,524
1− 3 −2

Exercise 1.6
1 Find the sum S 8 of the arithmetic sequence whose first term is 4 and the common
difference is 5.
2 Find the sum S10 of the arithmetic sequence whose first term is 8 and the common
difference is −1.
3 Find the sum S 7 of the arithmetic sequence whose fourth term is 2 and whose
seventh term is 17.
4 Find the sums S 8 , S12 , S 20 and S100 of the geometric sequence whose first term is
4 with common ratio 5.
(What happens to the sum S n as n becomes “larger and larger”?)
5 Find the sum S 8 , S12 , S 20 and S100 of the geometric sequence whose first term is 4
2
with common ratio .
3
(What happens to the sum S n as n becomes “larger and larger”?)
6 Given the sum S10 = 165 of an arithmetic sequence and A1 = 3, find A10 .
7 Given the sum S 20 = 910 of an arithmetic sequence and A20 = 95, find A1 .

25
Mathematics Grade 12

8 Given the sum S16 = 368 of an arithmetic sequence and A1 = 1, find A8 .

9 Given the sum S n = 969 of an arithmetic sequence, A1 = 9 and common difference
d = 6 find n.
10 Find the sum of all 3-digit whole numbers that are divisible by 13.
11 Find the sum of n-arithmetic means which are inserted between any two real
numbers a and b.
12 In an arithmetic sequence, the fourth term is 84 and the tenth term is 60. Find the
maximum possible partial sum.
13 If A1 and A2 are arithmetic means between any two real numbers a and b and G1
A + A2
and G2 are geometric means between a and b, express 1 in terms of a and b.
G1G2
14 Evaluate each of the following sums.
20 6
n 5
3n
∑ ( 5n + 7 ) ∑ ( −1) ∑
n +1
a b c n +1
n =1 n =1 n +1 n =2 5

j −3
7
2k 10
( −1) 20
d ∑
k =0 k !
e ∑j=2 j
f ∑k
k =1
2

15 A woman started a business by Birr 3000.00. She lost Birr 100 in the first month,
Birr 60 in the second month, Birr 20 in the third month and so on. Assuming that
this improvement continued at the same rate, determine her total capital in 2 years
and 7 months.
16 The population of a certain city increases at the rate of 3% per year. If the present
population of the city is 400000, find the population after
a 4 years b 10 years
17 A person invested in two different organizations A and B. He invested Birr 10,000
in A that increases Birr 300 per year and Birr 16,000 in B that increases by 5% per
year.
a Determine the amount in each organization after 10 years.
b Find a formula for the amount of money in each organization after n years.
c Determine the number of years that the amount in A exceeds the amount in B.
18 Suppose you pay 20% tax when you buy a certain machine. If you buy the
machine for Birr 20,000 and sale it for Birr 12,000, the buyer will pay 20% tax
and sale it for Birr 7,200. If this process continues without end, find the total tax
that can be collected.

26
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

1.4 INFINITE SERIES

 O PPEEN
NIIN
NGG P
PRRO
OBBLLE
EMM
A ball is dropped freely from a height of 16 m. Each time it
drops h metre, it rebounds 0.81 h metre.
a What is the total vertical distance travelled by the
ball before it comes to rest?
b The ball takes the following times for each fall.
S1 = −16t 2 + 16, S1 = 0 if t = 1;
hm
S 2 = −16t 2 + 16 ( 0.81) , S 2 = 0 if t = 0.9;
0.81 h
2 2
S3 = −16t 2 + 16 ( 0.81) , S3 = 0 if t = ( 0.9 ) ;
3 3
S 4 = −16t 2 + 16 ( 0.81) , S 4 = 0 if t = ( 0.9 ) ;
. .
. .
. .
n −1 n −1
S n = −16t 2 + 16 ( 0.81) , S n = 0 if t = ( 0.9 ) ;
Figure 1.4
Beginning with S 2, the ball takes the same amount of time to bounce up as it does to fall.
What is the total time before it comes to rest?
If you try to add the terms of an infinite sequence {a n }∞n =1 , you get an expression of the
form:
a1 + a 2 + a3 + ... + a n + ...
We call such a sum an infinite series and denote it by the sigma notation as
∞
a1 + a 2 + a3 + ... + a n + ... = ∑a
n =1
n

But does it make sense to talk about the sum of infinitely many terms?
We may get the answer after the following activities.

ACTIVITY 1.7
1 Is it possible to find the sum of the following?
a 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + ... + n + ... b 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + ... + (2n − 1) + ...

27
Mathematics Grade 12

1 1 1 1 1
c + + + + ... + n + ... d − 1 + 1 + −1 + 1 + −1 + ... + (−1) n + ...
2 4 8 16 2
1 1 1 1 1
e + + + + ... + n + ... f 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + ... + 2 n + ...
3 9 27 81 3
2 Find the n th partial sum S n for each of the above a – f.
3 What happens to the partial sum S n as n gets “larger and larger”?
Let us examine a, c and d.
n
a Sn = (n + 1) the sum of the first n natural numbers.
2
As n becomes “larger and larger”, S n gets “larger and larger”.
That is as n increases indefinitely, S n also increases indefinitely. Or as n tends to
infinity, S n tends to infinity. Symbolically, as n → ∞, S n → ∞

G1 (1 − r n ) 1 1
c Sn = ; partial sum of a geometric series with G1 = and r =
1− r 2 2
1 1 
n

1 −   
2   2   1
Therefore S n = = 1 − ( )n
1 2
1−
2
n
1
As n → ∞, the value of   becomes almost zero. Hence, S n → 1.
 2
0 if n is even
d S n = − 1 + 1 + −1 + 1 + −1 + .... + (−1) n = 
− 1 if n is odd
As n → ∞, S n → 0 or − 1 , depending on whether n is even or odd.
Thus, as n → ∞, Sn does not approach a unique number. In such cases, the
infinite sum doesn’t exist.
In the case of c in which as n → ∞, S n → 1 ; we define the infinite sum to be 1.
n n
∞
1 1 1 1 1
That is, ∑   = + + + ... +   + ... = 1
n =1  2  2 4 8 2
However, in the cases a and d the sum does not exist; the sum is not unique in d;
and the sum is not a finite number in a.
Now in general, as n tends to infinity, if the partial sum tends to a unique finite number
s, then we say the infinite series converges and the infinite sum is equal to s; otherwise,
the infinite series is said to be divergent.

28
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

Definition 1.5
Let {a n }∞n=1 be a sequence and S n be the n th partial sum such that, as n → ∞, S n → s
∞
where s is a finite real number, then we say the infinite series ∑ a n converges and is
n =1
∞
written as ∑ a n = s .
n =1

∞
However, if such an s does not exist or is infinite, we say the infinite series ∑a
n =1
n

diverges.
∞
Example 1 Determine whether the series ∑ (3)
n =1
n
converges or diverges.

∞
Solution The series ∑ (3) n = 3 + 9 + 27 + ... + 3 n + ... is a geometric series with
n =1

G1 = 3 and common ratio r = 3 . Hence, the partial sum is given by

G1 (1 − r n )
Sn =
1− r
Substituting the values, we obtain,
n
3[1 − ( 3) ] 3 −3 3 n
Sn = = − [1 − (3)n ] = + (3)
1− 3 2 2 2
Thus, as n → ∞, S n → ∞

Therefore, the series diverges.

∞
Recall that, if {Gn }n=1 is a geometric series with common ratio r, then
n

Sn = G1
(1 − r ) =
G1 G1r n
−
1− r 1− r 1− r
If | r | < 1, as n → ∞ , rn → 0 so that
G1 G1r n G1 G1
Sn = − → ⇒ S∞ =
1− r 1− r 1− r 1− r
Example 2 Evaluate
1 1 1 3 9 27
a + + +... b 1– + − +...
2 4 8 5 25 125

29
Mathematics Grade 12

Solution
1 1
a This is an infinite geometric series with G1 = and r = .
2 2
1
G1
Hence, S∞ = = 2 = 1.
1− r 1− 1
2
3 1 5
b Here, G1 = 1, r = – . Hence, S∞ = = .
5  3  8
1−  − 
 5 
i
Example 3 Write 0. 6 as a rational number.
i 6 6 6
Solution 0.6 = 0.6 + 0.06 + 0.006 + . . . . = + + +...
10 100 1000
1 6
which is an infinite geometric series with r = and G1 = .
10 10
6 6
G1 2
Thus, S∞ = = 10 = 10 = .
1− r 1− 1 9 3
10 10
Example 4 A ball is dropped from a height of 30m above a flat surface. In each
bounce, it rebounds to 0.3 of the distance it fell. Find the maximum
possible vertical distance the ball could travel.
Solution Each time, the ball travels 0.3 times the distance it fell, as shown in
Figure 1.5. Assuming that the ball never comes to rest, the total distance is
 9 
S = 30 + 2   m = 55.7 m. (Explain!).
 1 − 0.3 

Note that the ball is bouncing

vertically and we assume no
horizontal movement. The
horizontal axis of this graph is
only to indicate the bounces of
9 the ball.

2.7

Figure 1.5
Example 5 In Figure 1.6, an infinite number of rectangles are constructed under the
graph of f (x) = 2− x . Find the sum of the areas of all the rectangles.
30
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

Solution The nth rectangle has unit length

and height 2−n units. Hence, the
area of the nth rectangle is An = 2−n
f (x) = 2−x
square unit.
∞
2 −1 0.5
⇒ ∑A
n =1
n =
1− 2 −1
=
1 − 0.5
square units

= 1 unit square. Figure 1.6

Exercise 1.7
1 Find each of the following sums if it exists, assuming the patterns continue as in
the first few terms.
1 1 2 4 8
a 2 +1++ + ... b 1+ + + + ...
2 4 3 9 27
1 1 1 1 −1 1 −1
c + + + ... d + + + + ...
5 10 20 5 10 20 40
1 4 16 7 7 7
e + + + ... f 7+ + + + ...
5 15 45 10 100 1000
∞ ∞
g ∑ 4 3− k
k =1
h ∑4
k =1
k −3

k −1 n
∞
1 ∞
2
i ∑ 5 
k =1  3 
j ∑
n =1
(−1)n+1  
3
k +3 k −2
∞
3 2
k ∑  
k =2  4 
 
3
2 Express each of the following as a fraction using the infinite sum.
a 0.4 b 0.37 c 3.2354 d 13.452981
1 1 1
n
3 Find the product 5.5 .5 ...5 2 ... 2 4

∞
1
4 If ∑ 5kr = , find the value of r.
k =1 4
2 3
5 If the product 3r.3r .3r ... = 3, find r.
6 Suppose a ball is dropped from a height of h m and always rebounds to r of the
height from which it falls. Show that the total vertical distance that could be
 r +1 
covered by the ball is h   m. Assume that the ball will never stop bouncing.
1− r 

31
Mathematics Grade 12

1.5 APPLICATIONS OF ARITHMETIC

PROGRESSIONS AND GEOMETRIC
PROGRESSIONS
This section is devoted to the applications of arithmetic and geometric progressions or
geometric series (binomial series) that are associated with real life situations. Here are
some examples followed by exercises. The examples shown here and the following
exercises illustrate some useful applications.
Example 1 A job applicant finds that a firm offers a starting annual salary of Birr
32,500 with a guaranteed raise of Birr 1,400 per year.
a What would the annual salary be in the tenth year?
b Over the first 10 years, how much would be earned at the firm?
Solution
a The annual salary at the firm forms the arithmetic sequence;
32,500, 33,900, 35,300, … with first term A1 = 32,500

and common difference d =1,400.

Thus, An = A1 + (n − 1)d , substituting the values we obtain;

A10 = 32,500 + (10 − 1)1, 400 = Birr 45,100

b To determine the amount that would be earned over the first 10 years, we need
to add the first 10 annual salaries;

A +A 
S10 = A1 + A2 + A3 + ... + A10 = 10  1 10 
 2 
(It is 10 times the average of the first and the last term.)
10
S10 = (32,500 + 45,100) = Birr 388, 000.
2
Therefore, over the first 10 years a total of Birr 388,000 would be earned at the firm.
Example 2 A woman deposits Birr 3,500 in a bank account paying an annual interest
at a rate of 6%. Show that the amounts she has in the account at the end
of each year form a geometric sequence.

32
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

Solution Let G1 = 3,500 . Then,

6
G2 = G1 + G1 = G1 (1 + 0.06) = 3,500(1.06) = 3,710.
100
6
G3 = G 2 + G2 = G 2 (1 + 0.06) = G1 (1.06)(1.06) = 3,710(1.06) = 3,932.6.
100
Continuing in this way you get Gn = (1.06) n −1 G1

Since the ratio of any two consecutive terms is a constant, which is 1.06, this
sequence is a geometric sequence.
Example 3 Suppose a substance loses half of its radioactive mass per year. If we start
with 100 grams of a radioactive substance, how much is left after 10 years?
Solution Let us record the amount of the radioactive substance left after each year
starting with G0 = 100 . Note that each term is half of the previous term
and hence,
1
G1 = (100) = 50g is the amount left at the end of year 1.
2
1
G 2 = (50) = 25g is the amount left at the end of year 2.
2
If you continue in this way, you see that the ratio of any two consecutive terms is
1
a constant, which is , and hence this sequence is a geometric sequence.
2
Therefore, after ten years, the amount of the substance left is given by
10 10
1 1 100
G10 =   G1 =   (100) = = 0.09765625g.
2 2 1, 024

Binomial series
You remember that the binomial theorem states
n(n − 1) n – 2 n(n − 1) (n − 2) n – 3
(a + bx)n = an + nan − 1 (bx) + a (bx)2 + a (bx)3 + … + (bx)n
2! 3!
for any positive integer n.
In particular for a = 1 and b = 1, you have
n(n − 1) 2 n(n − 1) (n − 2) 3
(1 + x)n = 1 + nx + x + x + … + xn
2! 3!

33
Mathematics Grade 12

Now, if you consider the infinite series 1 – x + x2 – x3 +…, then it is a geometric series
1
with common ratio – x. Moreover, for  x < 1, it converges to = (1 + x)–1
1+ x
In general, for any value of n,
n(n − 1) 2 n(n − 1) (n − 2) 3
(1 + x)n = 1 + nx + x + x + … (*)
2! 3!
and this type of series is called a binomial series. This series converges for x< 1. The
binomial series generalizes the binomial theorem to any real values of n. If n is a
positive integer the binomial series reduces to binomial theorem.
Example 4 Expand each of the following expressions.
1
a (1 + x) 2 b (1 – 3x)–5 c (3x + 2)–4
Solution
1
a Replacing n by in (*) gives you,
2
11  2 1  1  1 
1  − 1 x  − 1  − 2  x 3
(1 + x) =1+ x+ 
2 2 
+ 
2
1 2 2  2  +…
2 2! 3!
1 1 1 3 5 4
= 1 + x – x2 + x – x +… provided that x< 1.
2 8 16 128
b Replacing n by –5 and x by (–3x) in (*) gives you.
(−5)(−5 − 1)(−3x) 2 −5(−5 − 1)(−5 − 2)(−3x)3
(1 – 3x)–5 = 1 + (–5) (–3x) + + +…
2! 3!
1
= 1 + 15x +135x2 + 945x3 + 5670x4 + … provided that  x< .
3
−4 −4
–4  2  2 
c Observe that (2x + 3) =  3  x + 1   = 3−4  x + 1 
 3  3 
Hence,
 2 
2
2 
3

 ( − 4)( −4 − 1)  x  ( − 4)( − 4 − 1)( −4 − 2)  x  
( 2 x + 3) = 3−4  1 + ( −4 )  x  + 3  +  3  + ⋯
−4 2
3  2! 3! 
 
 
1 8 40 2 160 3 560 4
= − x+ x − x + x − ...
81 243 729 2187 6561

34
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

The binomial series is useful for approximations. When you have an expression of the
form (1 + x) n where  x < 1, you can take (1 + x) n to be equal to only the first few
terms of the series.
3
Example 5 Find the approximate value of 6 correct to four decimal places.
Solution: You know that 6 is not a perfect cube but using the perfect cube 8,
3
rewrite 6 as
1

3 3  2 3 1  1 3
6 = 8 − 2 = 3 8 1 −  = 8 3 1 − = 2 1 −  .
 8 4  4
1 1
Hence replacing n by and x by − in (*), you have
3 4
 2
 1  1   1  1  1   1  1 
3

1
   − 1  −   −1  − 2   −  
 1 1 1
6 = 2  1 −  = 2 1 +  −  +  
3 3  4 
+ 
3
3 3 3  3   4  + ... 
 4  3 4  2! 3! 
 
 
 1 1 5 
= 2 1 − − − − ⋯
 12 144 5184 
= 1.817515430988
⇒ 3
6 = 1.8175 correct to four decimal places.

Exercise 1.8 (Application Problems)

1 A person is scheduled to get a raise of Birr 250 every 6 months during his/her first
5 years on the job. If his/her starting salary is Birr 25,250 per year, what will
his/her annual salary be at the end of the 3rd year?
2 Rosa begins a saving program in which she will save Birr 1,000 the first year, and
each subsequent year she will save 200 more than she did the previous year. How
much will she save during the eighth year?
3 A certain item loses one-tenth of its value each year. If the item is worth Birr
28,000 today, how much will it be worth 4 years from now?
4 A boat is now worth Birr 34,000 and loses 12% of its value each year. What will
it be worth after 5 years?
5 The population of a certain town is increasing at a rate of 2.5% per year. If the
population is currently 100,000, what will the population be 10 years from now?

35
Mathematics Grade 12

6 Sofia deposits Birr 3,500 in a bank account paying an annual interest rate of 6%.
Find the amount she has at the end of
a the first year b the second year c the third year
d the fourth year e the n th year
f Do the amounts she has at the end of each year form a geometric sequence?
Explain.
7 A job applicant finds that a firm A offers a starting salary of Birr 31,100 with a
guaranteed raise of Birr 1,200 per year, whereas firm B offers a higher starting
salary of Birr 35,100 but will guarantee a yearly raise of only Birr 900.
a What would the annual salary be in the 11th year at firm A?
b What would the annual salary be in the 11th year at firm B?
c Over the first 11 years, how much would be earned at firm A?
d Over the first 11 years, how much would be earned at firm B?
e Compare the amount earned in 11 years in firms A and B.
8 A theatre hall has 38 rows of seats. The first row has 17 seats, the second row has
20 seats, the third row has 23 seats and so on. What is the seating capacity of the
theatre hall?
9 A contest offers a total of 18 prizes. The first prize is worth Birr 10,000, and each
consecutive prize is worth Birr 500 less than the next higher prize. Find the value
of the eighteenth prize and the total value of the prizes.
10 A contest offers 10 prizes with a total value of Birr 13,250. If the difference in
value between consecutive prizes is Birr 250, what is the value of the first prize?
11 A ball bounces up one-half the distance from which it falls. How far does it
bounce up on the fifth rebound, if the ball is dropped from a height of 20 metres?
12 A ball is dropped from a height of 60 metres and always rebounds one-third the
distance from which it falls. Find the total distance the ball has travelled when it
hits the ground for the fifth time and the tenth time.
13 In Problem 12 above, if you let the ball bounce “forever”, what is the total
distance it would travel until it comes to rest?
14 Expand each of the following using binomial series.
3
1
a (x − 4)−7 b (1 + x) 2 c
4− x
15 Approximate each of the following using binomial series.
3 4
a 5 b 9 c 17

36
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

Key Terms
arithmetic mean finite sequence recursion formula
arithmetic sequence general term sequence
common difference geometric mean series
common ratio geometric sequence sigma notation
convergent series infinite sequence telescoping sequence
divergent series infinite series terms of a sequence
Fibonacci sequence partial sums

Summary
1 Sequence
 A sequence {an } is a function whose domain is the set of positive integers or a
subset of consecutive integers starting with 1.
 The sequence {a1, a2, a3, …} is denoted by{an} or {an } n ∞= 1 .

 A sequence that has a last term is called a finite sequence. Otherwise it is called
infinite sequence.
 Recursion formula is a formula that relates the general term an of a sequence to
one or more of the terms that come before it.
2 Arithmetic and geometric progression
i Arithmetic progression
 An arithmetic sequence is one in which the difference between consecutive terms
is a constant, and this constant is called the common difference.
 If {An} is an arithmetic progression with the first term A1 and the common
difference d, then the nth term is given by:
An = A1 + (n – 1) d.
ii Geometric progression
 A geometric progression is one in which the ratio between consecutive terms is a
constant, and this constant is called the common ratio.
 If {Gn} is a geometric progression with the first term G1 and a common ratio r,
then the nth term is given by:
Gn = rn – 1 G1.

37
Mathematics Grade 12

3 Partial sums
 The sum of the first n terms of the sequence {an } n ∞= 1 , denoted by Sn is called the
partial sum of the sequence.
 The sum Sn of the first n terms of an arithmetic sequence with first term A1, and
common difference d is:
n
n
S n = ∑ Ak = [2 A1 + ( n − 1) d ].
k =1 2
∞
 In a geometric sequence, {Gn }n =1 with common ratio r, the sum of the first n terms
Sn is given by;
 nG1 ,if r = 1

S n =  G (r n − 1)
1
 ,if r ≠ 1
 r −1
4 Convergent series and divergent series
 In a sequence {an } n ∞= 1 , if Sn is the nth partial sum such that, as n → ∞, Sn → s
∞
where s is a finite real number, we say the infinite series ∑a
n =1
n converges to s,

otherwise the series diverges.

Review Exercises on Unit 1

1 Find the first five terms of the sequence with the specified general term.
1
a an = b an = (n – 1)2 c an = ( − 1)n n !
2n +1
3n − 1 1 n  n2 − 3
d an = e an = sin  π  f an =
3n + 1 n 6  n2 + 3
2 Find the first five terms of the recursively defined sequence.
1
a a1 = − 2 and an = for n ≥ 2
an −1
an −1
b a1 = 1 , a2 = 3 and an = for n ≥ 3
an −2
c a1 = 1, an = (an−1)n for n ≥ 2
d a1 = 0, a2 = 1, an = an −1 + an −2 for n ≥ 3

38
 Unit 1 Sequences and Series

3 Find the general term of an arithmetic sequence that satisfies the given conditions.
a The first two terms are 4 and 7.
b The fourth term is 11 and the tenth term is 35.
c The tenth term is 3 and the fifteenth term is 5.5.
d The third term is 2 2 and the sixth term is 4 2 .
4 Find the general term of a geometric sequence that satisfies the given conditions.
1
a The first two terms are − 1 and .
4
2 2
b The third term is and the fifth term is .
9 243
2
c The second term is and the fourth term is 2.
2
d The first term is 0.15 and the third term is 0.0015.
5 Evaluate each of the following sums.
10 12 5
2k
a ∑ 3k − 1
k =1
b ∑ ( 4 − 5n )
n =1
c ∑ 2k + 1
k =0

10 12 5
2k + 5
∑ ( 3 + (−1) ) ∑ ( −1) ∑
k k
d e 2k f k −1
k =0 k =2 k =1 3

2 k −4 k
∞
 3k + 2 k  ∞
2 20
3
g ∑ 
k =1  6k 
 h ∑  
k =0  3 
i ∑ 2 
k =1  2 

k +5
∞
 1 10
5k 5
j ∑ − 
k =1  3
k ∑4
k =0
k
l ∑ ( −3 ( 5 ) )
k =1
k

6 Find the sum of whole numbers that are less than 100 and leave remainder 2 when
divided by 5.
7 Evaluate each of the following infinite series.
1 1 1
a 2– 2 + 1− − +... b 9+3 3 +3+ 3 +1+ +...
2 2 3
−3 9 27
c + − +... d 1 + x + x2 + x3 + . . . (in terms of x)
4 4 4
e 0.1 + 0.11 + 0.111 + 0.1111 + . . .
8 Find the sum of all two-digit whole numbers which are divisible by 11.

39
Mathematics Grade 12

9 In an arithmetic sequence, the sum of the first 20 terms is 950 and the sum of the
second 20 terms is 0. Find the general term of the sequence.
10 When n arithmetic means are inserted between 8 and 44, the sum of the resulting
terms is 338. Find the values of n and the common difference.
11 A car that is bought for Birr 125000.00 depreciates in value by Birr 4000 per year.
How long will it take for the car to make a loss of 25% of its value? (to the nearest
year).
12 A person invests Birr 1,000,000.00 for the first year. During each succeeding
years he invests Birr 300,000.00 more than he did the year before. How much will
he invest over a period of 20 years?
13 A factory that produces cement had sales Birr 100,000.00 the first day and sales
increased by Birr 8,000.00 every day during each successive days. Find the total
sales of the factory during the first 30 days.
14 If the construction of a certain school is not completed by the agreed upon date,
the contractor pays a penalty of Birr 1,000 for the first week, Birr 2,000 for the
second week, Birr 3,000 for the third week and so on that it is overdue. If
construction of the school is completed 13 weeks late, calculate the total amount
of the penalties that the contractor must pay.
15 Suppose you earn Birr 10,000.00 per month and pay 20% tax and spend 60% of it.
Again the recipient of the money spent by you pays 20% tax and spends 60% of
it. If this process continues without end, find the total amount that will be paid for
the tax.
16 Expand each of the following expressions using binomial series and determine the
values of x for which it converges.
1 5 3
−
a (9 + x ) 2 b (1 + 5 x ) 2 c (2 − x )2

40