Sequences & Series - Sigma Notation

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Sequences & Series: Sigma Notation

This sheet assumes that you already know how to deal with arithmetic and geometric series.

Table of Contents
1 Bronze ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
2 Silver................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3 Gold .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 With Logs ................................................................................................................................................. 7
4 Diamond............................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.1 With Logs ................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Two Series ................................................................................................................................................ 8
5 Challenges .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Arithmetic ................................................................................................................................................ 9
5.2 Geometric .............................................................................................................................................. 10

This is a long worksheet to cater for students that want extra practice. If you want a shortcut, but still be sure to cover one
of each type then follow the pink highlighted questions.
o Higher level students should be able to do all questions up until diamond to be sure to get a 7. The challenge
section is there for anyone brave enough J
o Standard level students should be able to do questions 1-36 and 41-42 to be sure to get a 7

Make sure you have covered the sequences and series: arithmetic and geometric worksheet first!

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Reminders
Sigma notation ∑ is another way to say sum

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like. To do this we replace the pink box
with first 3 or 4 values of * (i.e. we just plug in the values to the expression in the pink box)

Step 2: Simplify each term and decide what type of sequence we have (the 3 or 4 terms written out above is enough for us to see the pattern).
• arithmetic - if the sequence has a common difference (adds or subtracts the same number each time
• geometric - if the sequence has a common ratio (multiplies or divides by the same number each time)
• periodic – if the sequence repeats after a certain number of terms

For example,
Ø let’s say we have the general sequence 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑
If 𝑏 − 𝑎 = 𝑐 − 𝑏 ⟹ series is arithmetic
! #
If " = ! ⟹series is geometric

Ø If we have the general sequence 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 then we said the sequence is periodic of order 3 (since it repeats every 3 terms)

Step 3: The sigma notation is related to the sum formula that you should be familiar with for geometric and arithmetic series. We can use
the 𝑠$ formula for arithmetic or geometric.
• ∑!"#$ … = 𝑆𝑛
• ∑!"#% …
The sum must start from 1 to use 𝑠$ formula ⟹ ∑!"#% … = ∑!"#$ … − ∑%&$ "#$ … = 𝑆$ −𝑆&'(
Note: This has 𝑛 − 𝑚 + 1 terms
• ∑' "#$ … = 𝑆)
"
• ∑' "#% … = 𝑆∞ − 𝑆𝑚−1 or we can just find the first term for that sum, call it 𝑎 and find ('.
Examples:
./0

1(𝑟 + 1)
./(
Let’s colour code to explain
./0

1(𝑟 + 1)
./(
In English, this says replace every 𝑟 starting from 1 in the expression (𝑟 + 1) and go all the way to 6.
We add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
./0

1(𝑟 + 1)
./(
To do this we replace (𝑟 + 1) with the values of 𝑟
We know 𝑟 starts at 1 and ends at 6
This is not many terms so it’s easy to write them all out. Normally we just write out the first 3 or 4
terms which is enough to spot the pattern from afterwards
(1 + 1) + (2 + 1) + (3 + 1) + (4 + 1) + (5 + 1) + (6 + 1)
=2+3+4+5+6+7
Step 2: Decide what type of series we have
Here we keep adding 1 each time so we have an arithmetic sequence with 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑑 = 1
Step 3: Find the sum
Way 1: Since we only have a few terms we can find the sum easily: 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 27
Way 2: use the 𝑠$ formula for an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑑 = 1. We would do this way if we had more terms
we only have 6 terms here
6
𝑆0 = [2(2) + (6 − 1)(1)] = 27
2

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What happens if we have more terms?

./12

1 (4𝑟 + 1)
./(
In English, this says replace every 𝑟 starting from 1 in the expression (𝑟 + 1) and go all the way to 50.
We add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
./12

1 (4𝑟 + 1)
./(
To do this we replace (4𝑟 + 1) with the values of 𝑟
We know 𝑟 starts at 1 and ends at 50

(4 + 1) + (8 + 1) + (12 + 1) + ⋯ + (50 + 1)
Simplifying gives the sequence
5 +9+13 +…+201

This is arithmetic with a=5 and d=4 and n is 50 (50 terms). If you didn’t realise there are 50 terms, you could set 𝑢$ = 201 using the formula
and solve for n

Using 𝑠$ formula
12
𝑠12 = [2(5) + (50 − 1)(4)] = 25(10+196)=5150
3

What happens if our series doesn’t start from 1?

./52

1 2(3.4( )
./1

Way 1: Way 2: Force the sum to start from 1

52 7
The sum says replace every r starting from 5
= 1 2(3.4( ) − 1 2(3.4( )
2(30 ) + 2(36 ) + 2(35 ) + ⋯ ./( ./(

This is geometric since we are multiplying by 3 each time This says replace every r starting from 1 in each sequence

2(36 ) [2(33 ) + 2(38 ) + 2(37 ) + ⋯ ] − [2(33 ) + 2(38 ) + 2(37 )]

𝑟= =3
2(30 )
Each series is geometric with
𝑎 = 2(3 0)
= 1458 2(38 )
𝑟= =3
2(33 )
From 5 to 80 is 74 terms
𝑎 = 2(33 ) = 18
67
1457(1 − 3 )
𝑠67 = = 𝑆52 − 𝑆7
1−3
18(1 − 352 ) 18(1 − 37 )
= −
1−3 1−3

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1 Bronze

1) Find the following by writing out a suitable series ∑./0

./((𝑟 + 1)

2) Write down all the terms of the following

i. ∑09/((2𝑘 + 1)
ii. ∑69/8 𝑘 3
iii. ∑59/7 𝑘(239'( )
iv. ∑(22
9/(22(3𝑘 − 7)

3) Calculate ∑./1
./( 3𝑟

4) Calculate ∑./1
./2 𝑟(𝑟 + 1)

5) Calculate ∑./32
./( (4𝑟 + 1)

6) Calculate ∑./32
./( (5𝑟 − 2)

7) Find the value of ∑73

./((5𝑟 + 3)

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2 Silver

8) Calculate ∑$/32 $/(22

$/( 3𝑛 and ∑$/3( 3𝑛

9) Calculate ∑./82
./(2(7 + 2𝑟)

10) Calculate ∑./0 .

./8(2 − 1)

11) Calculate ∑./7 .

./'((1.5 )

12) Expand ∑6./7 2. as the sum of four terms

i. Find the value of ∑82
./7 2
.
) .
ii. Explain why ∑./7 2 cannot be evaluated

13) The 𝑟 :; term of an arithmetic series is (2𝑟 −5)

i. Write down the first three terms of the series
ii. State the value of the common difference
iii. Show that ∑$./((2𝑟 − 5) = 𝑛(𝑛 − 4)

(
14) Prove that ∑$./( 𝑟 = 3 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)

3 .'(
15) Find the value of ∑0./( 10 × P8Q

3 .'(
16) Find the value of ∑)
./( 10 × P8Q

3 .'(
17) Find the value of ∑)
./6 10 × P8Q

( .
18) Find the value of ∑)
./7 20 × P Q
3

19) Let 𝑠$ = ∑$./((2𝑟 − 3)

i. Write down the first three terms of this series
ii. Find 𝑆12
iii. Find 𝑛 such that 𝑆$ = 575

20) Consider the geometric series 𝑆$ = ∑$./( 3 × 5.'(

Given that 𝑆& = 7324218, work out the value of 𝑚

21) For what value of 𝑛 does ∑$./((5𝑟 + 3) first exceed 1000

22) Given ∑$./((100 − 3𝑟) < 0. Find the least value of the integer n

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23) For what value of n would ∑$./((100 − 4𝑟) =0

24) Given that ∑$./( 𝑎. = 12 + 4𝑛3 .

i. Find the value of ∑1./( 𝑎. and the value of 𝑎0
"
ii. Given that ∑)./2 7 ! = 16. Find the value of the constant 𝑎

25) The nth term of an arithmetic progression is denoted by 𝑢$ , and given by 𝑢$ = 2𝑛 + 7

Determine the value N given that ∑< $/( 𝑢$ = 2100

8 $ =
26) Show that ∑)
$/3 P7Q 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (180𝑛)° = 35

( .
27) Find the value of 𝑘 if ∑)
./( 𝑘 P8Q = 7

28) Rewrite 4+7+10+…+31 using sigma notation

29) Rewrite 40+36+32+…+0 using sigma notation

30) Rewrite 3+33 + 38 + 37 + ⋯ + 35 using sigma notation

31) Rewrite the multiples of 6 less than 100 using sigma notation

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3 Gold

32) The third and the sixth term of a geometric progression is 27 and 8, respectively.

Show clearly that ∑)

./0 𝑢. = 24, Where 𝑢. is the r term of the progression.
th

33) A geometric series, 𝑢$ has second term 375 and fifth term 81. Find the sum to infinity and hence
the value of ∑)
$/0 𝑢$

3.1 With Logs

34) Show that the terms of ∑& .
./( ln 3 are in arithmetic series
i. Find the sum of the first 20 terms in this series
ii. Hence, show that ∑3& . 3
./( ln 3 =𝑙𝑛 3 (2𝑚 + 𝑚)

35) Find ∑12 .

./( ln(2 ) , giving the answer in the form aln2, where a∈ ℚ

36) The first three terms of a geometric sequence are 𝑙𝑛𝑥(0 , 𝑙𝑛𝑥 5 , 𝑙𝑛𝑥 7 for 𝑥>0.
i. Find the common ratio
ii. Solve ∑) 9/( 2
1'9
𝑙𝑛𝑥 = 64

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4 Diamond

4.1 With Logs

37) Given that p is a positive constant,
i. Show that ∑(( $
$/( ln(𝑝 ) = 𝑘𝑙𝑛𝑝,where k is a constant to be found
ii. Show that ∑$/( ln(8𝑝$ ) = 33 ln(2𝑝3 )
((
((
iii. Hence find the set of values p for which ∑$/( ln(8𝑝$ ) < 0 giving your answer in set notation

38) Find ∑(1 3

$/( 𝑎$ where 𝑎$ = 𝑙𝑛𝑥
$

$43
39) Show that ∑75
$/( log 1 P$4(Q=2

( ( ( (
40) Show that 𝑆 = ∑)
$/( P$4( − $43Q = 3 − $43

4.2 Two Series

41) Show that ∑(0 .
./((3 + 5𝑟 + 2 )=131,798

3" 47 "
42) Find ∑)
$/2 0"

43) ∑(2 (7
./( 𝑎 + (𝑟 − 1)𝑑 = ∑./(( 𝑎 + (𝑟 − 1)𝑑 . Show that 𝑑 = 6𝑎

44) An arithmetic series has first term 𝑎 and common difference 𝑑. The sum of the first 15 terms is 1320
and the fifth term is 76
i. Find 𝑎 and 𝑑
Given that 13\∑(1 9 9
$/( 𝑢$ − ∑$/( 𝑢$ ] = 9 ∑$/( 𝑢9
ii. find the value of 𝑆9
iii. Hence find the value of 𝑘

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5 Challenges

5.1 Arithmetic
45) The first term of an arithmetic series is a and the common different is d
The 25th term is 100.
The 5th term is 8 times larger than the 35th term of the series.
i. Find the values of a and the value of d
ii. Determine how many terms of the series as positive
The sum of the first n terms of the series is denoted by 𝑆$
iii. Calculate the maximum value of 𝑆$

46) ∑32
$/((2𝑟 + 𝑥) = 280. Find the value of 𝑥 that satisfies the equation.

47) The nth term of an arithmetic series is given by

5
𝑢$ = (5𝑛 + 28)
2
The kth term of the series is 370.
i. Find the value of 𝑘
ii. Evaluate the sum ∑9$/( 𝑢$

48) Find the value of the constant p, so that ∑32

$/((25 + 𝑛𝑝) = 80

49) A sequence is defined as 𝑢.4( = 𝑢. − 3 , 𝑢(/((6 , 𝑛 ≥ 1

Solve the equation ∑$./( 𝑢. = 0

50) Find in simplified for the terms of n, the value of

3$

1(3𝑟 − 2)(−1).
./(

51) The rth term of an arithmetic progression is given by 𝑢. = 120 − 3𝑟

Determine the value N given that ∑8< ./< 𝑢. = 444

52) An arithmetic progression has first term −10 and common difference 4. The nth term of the
progression is denoted by 𝑢$ . Determine the value of k given that

39 9

1 𝑢$ − 1 𝑢$ = 1728
$/( $/(

53) The sum of the first 25 terms of an arithmetic series if 1050 and its 25th term is 72.
i. Find the first term and the common difference of the series.
The nth term of the series of denoted by 𝑢$
ii. Given further that
31 9 9

117 `1 𝑢$ − 1 𝑢$ a = 233 1 𝑢$
$/( $/( $/(

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Determine the value of k

54) The rth term of an arithmetic progression is denoted by 𝑢. and satisfies 𝑢. = 4𝑟 − 7

Solve the simultaneous equations

< ?

1 𝑢. − 1 , 𝑢. = 400
./?4( ./(

𝑢< − 𝑢? = 40
5.2 Geometric
55) The sum of the geometric series is 2187.
The (k−1)th and kth term of the same series are 96 and 64, respectively. Determine the value of
)

1 𝑢$
$/94(
Where 𝑢$ , is the nth term of the series. Determine the value of

56) It is given that

$

1 𝑢. = 128 − 26'$
./(
Where 𝑢. is the rth term of the geometric progression.
i. Find the sum of the first 8 terms of the progression
ii. Determine the value of 𝑢5
iii. Find the common ratio

57) Determine the value n, given by ∑$./( 23.'( = 43690

58) The nth term of a geometric series is denoted by 𝑢$ . It is given that

𝑢( = 1458 and 𝑢0 = 6.
Evaluate: ∑)
$/6 𝑢$

9'( (
59) A family of an infinite geometric series 𝑆9 has a first term and common ratio A, where
9!
k = 3,4,5,6,…,99,100.
(2#
Find the value of (22! + ∑(22
9/8 [[(𝑘 − 1)(𝑘 − 2) − 1]𝑆9 ].

60) By showing a detailed method, sum the following series. Find the value of:
=

1 [(𝑟 + 1) × 11. × 10='. ]

./2
You may leave your answer in index form

61) Show that the following equation how only one real solution
)

27𝑛 = 4 1 (1 + 𝑛)'.
./3

(
62) Evaluate the following expression ∑) $
$/2 ∑&/2 P3$%" Q. Detailed working must be shown.

63) Evaluate the following expression

) )
1
1 1 g &4$ h
3
$/2 &/2
Detailed working must be shown.

64) It is given that the following series converges to the limit L.

)
2𝑥 − 1 .
1 i j
𝑥+2
./(

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Determine with full justification the range of possible values of L.

65) Solve the following simultaneous equations

) ) ( (
7
2 1 [log 3 𝑎]. = 1 [1 + 𝑏]'9 and 2 1 [1 + 𝑏]'9 − 1 [log 3 𝑎]. =
5
./2 9/( 9/( ./2

Write your answers in index form where appropriate

66) The (k−1)th and kth terms of the convergent geometric progression are 108 and 81. Determine the
value of
)

1 𝑢$
$/94(

Where 𝑢$ is the nth term of the series

67) It is given that

$ 9

𝑆$ = 1 1 (2. )
9/( ./(
Show that

𝑆$ = 2$43 − 2𝑛 − 4

68) Evaluate showing clearly your method

)
3$ − 2
𝑆$ = 1
4$4(
$/(

69) It is given that 0 < r < 1, 0 < R < 1 and r < 2R. It is further given that
) ) 3

1 𝑅$ = l1 𝑟 $ m
$/2 $/2
Show clearly that
)
𝑟 $ 2(2 − 𝑟)
1P Q =
2𝑅 3 − 2𝑟
$/2

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Sequences & Series: Sigma Notation Solutions

This sheet assumes that you already know how to deal with arithmetic and geometric series.

Table of Contents
1 Bronze ................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2 Silver...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
3 Gold ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
3.1 With Logs ................................................................................................................................................................. 28
4 Diamond.............................................................................................................................................................................. 31
4.1 With Logs ................................................................................................................................................................. 31
4.2 Two Series ................................................................................................................................................................ 34
5 Challenges ........................................................................................................................................................................... 39
5.1 Arithmetic ................................................................................................................................................................ 39
5.2 Geometric ................................................................................................................................................................ 49

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1 Bronze

1)

!"#

!(𝑟 + 1)
!"$

In English, this says replace every r starting from 1 in the expression (𝑟 + 1) and go all the way to 6. We
add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Let’s see in detail how this works.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.

!"#

!(𝑟 + 1)
!"$

To do this we replace (𝑟 + 1) with the values of 𝑟

We know 𝑟 starts at 1 and ends at 6
This is not many terms so it’s easy to write them all out. Normally we just write out the first 3 or 4
terms which is enough to spot the pattern from afterwards
(1 + 1) + (2 + 1) + (3 + 1) + (4 + 1) + (5 + 1) + (6 + 1)

=2+3+4+5+6+7

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

Here we keep adding 1 each time so we have an arithmetic sequence with 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑑 = 1

Step 3: Find the sum

Way 1: Since we only have a few terms we can find the sum easily: 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 27

Way 2: use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑑 = 1

we have 6 terms
#
𝑆# = [2(2) + (6 − 1)(1)] = 27
&

2)
i.

'"#

!(2𝑘 + 1)
'"$

In English, this says replace every 𝑘 starting from 1 in the expression (2𝑘 + 1) and go all the way to 6. We
add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Let’s see in detail how this works.

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Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
'"#

!(2𝑘 + 1)
'"$

To do this we replace (2𝑘 + 1) with the values of 𝑘

We know 𝑘 starts at 1 and ends at 6
This is not many terms so it’s easy to write them all out. Normally we just write out the first 3 or 4
terms which is enough to spot the pattern from afterwards
(2(1) + 1) + (2(2) + 1) + (2(3) + 1) + (2(4) + 1) + (2(5) + 1) + (2(6) + 1)

= 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

Here we keep adding 2 each time so we have an arithmetic sequence with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 2

Step 3: Find the sum

Way 1: Since we only have a few terms we can find the sum easily: 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 = 48

Way 2: use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 2

we have 6 terms
#
𝑆# = & [3(2) + (6 − 1)(2)] = 48

ii.
'"(
2
!(𝑘 )
'")

In English, this says replace every k starting from 3 in the expression (𝑘 & ) and go all the way to 7. We add
(∑ means add) all these terms found.

Let’s see in detail how this works.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
'"(
2
!(𝑘 )
'")

To do this we replace (𝑘 & ) with the values of 𝑘

We know 𝑘 starts at 3 and ends at 7
This is not many terms so it’s easy to write them all out. Normally we just write out the first 3 or 4
terms which is enough to spot the pattern from afterwards
(3&) + (4& ) + (5& ) + (6& ) + (7& )

= 9 + 16 + 25 + 36 + 49

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

: There is no real pattern to it, so adding the terms

Step 3: Find the sum

We only have a few terms though, so we can find the sum easily:
9 + 16 + 25 + 36 + 49
= 135

Note: This series is neither arithmetic nor geometric, so we can’t use the 𝑠% formula.

iii.
'"*
2𝑘−1
! 𝑘(2 )
'"+

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In English, this says replace every 𝑘 starting from 4 in the expression (𝑘(2%&'( ) and go all the way to 9.
We add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Let’s see in detail how this works.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
'"*
2𝑘−1
! 𝑘(2 )
'"+
To do this we replace 𝑘(2%&'( ) with the values of 𝑘
We know 𝑘 starts at 4 and ends at 9
This is not many terms so it’s easy to write them all out. Normally we just write out the first 3 or 4
terms which is enough to spot the pattern from afterwards
4&2%(*)'( ' + 5&2%(,)'( ' + 6&2%(-)'( ' + 7&2%(.)'( ' + 8&2%(/)'( ' + 9(2%(0)'( )

= 512 + 2560 + 12288 + 57344 + 262144 + 1179648

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

This is a geometric series, but also with a k term in front, so adding all of those terms

Step 3: Find the sum

Since we only have a few terms we can find the sum easily:
512 + 2560 + 12288 + 57344 + 262144 + 1179648

= 1514496

Note: This series is neither arithmetic nor geometric, so we can’t use the 𝑠% formula.

iv.
𝑘=100
2𝑘−1
! 𝑘(2 )
𝑘=100

In English, this says replace every k starting from 100 in the expression (3𝑘 − 7) and also stop at 100. We
add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Let’s see in detail how this works.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
'"$--

! (3𝑟 − 7)
'"$--

To do this we replace (3𝑘 − 7) with the values of 𝑘

We know 𝑘 starts at 100 and ends at 100
This is only 1 term

3(100) − 7

= 293

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

Here we have a single term, so we just have that as the answer

Step 3: Find the sum

Since we only have 1 term it is just 293

3)

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!".

!(3𝑟)
!"$

In English, this says replace every r starting from 1 in the expression given (3𝑟) and go all the way to 5.
We add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Let’s see in detail how this works.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
!".

!(3𝑟)
!"$

To do this we replace (3𝑟) with the values of 𝑟

We know 𝑟 starts at 1 and ends at 5
This is not many terms so it’s easy to write them all out. Normally we just write out the first 3 or 4
terms which is enough to spot the pattern from afterwards
(3(1)) + (3(2)) + (3(3)) + (3(4)) + (3(5))

= 3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

Here we keep adding 1 each time so we have an arithmetic sequence with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 3

Step 3: Find the sum

Way 1: Since we only have a few terms we can find the sum easily: 3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 = 45

Way 2: use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 3

we have 5 terms
.
𝑆. = & [3(2) + (5 − 1)(3)] = 45

4)

!".

!(𝑟 + 1)
!"-

In English, this says replace every r starting from 0 in the expression given (𝑟 + 1)and go all the way to 5.
We add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Let’s see in detail how this works.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
!".

!(𝑟 + 1)
!"-

To do this we replace (𝑟 + 1) with the values of 𝑟

We know 𝑟 starts at 0 and ends at 5
This is not many terms so it’s easy to write them all out. Normally we just write out the first 3 or 4
terms which is enough to spot the pattern from afterwards

(0 + 1) + (1 + 1) + (2 + 1) + (3 + 1) + (4 + 1) + (5 + 1)

=1+2+3+4+5+6

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

Here we keep adding 1 each time so we have an arithmetic sequence with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑑 = 1

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Step 3: Find the sum

Way 1: Since we only have a few terms we can find the sum easily: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 21

Way 2: use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑑 = 1

we have 6 terms
#
𝑆# = & [2(1) + (6 − 1)(1)] = 21
5)

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
34%5

2 (4𝑟 + 1)
34(
To do this we replace (4𝑟 + 1) with the values of 𝑟
We know 𝑟 starts at 1 and ends at 20.
This is quite a lot of terms so let’s just write few terms out which will be enough to spot
the pattern from afterwards
(4(1) + 1) + (4(2) + 1) + (4(3) + 1) + (4(4) + 1) + (4(5) + 1) + (4(6) + 1) + ⋯ + (4(20) + 1)

= 5 + 9 + 13 + 17 + ⋯ + 81

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

Here we keep adding 4 each time so we have an arithmetic sequence with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑑 = 4

Step 3: Find the sum

use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑑 = 4
we have 20 terms
&-
𝑆&- = & [2(5) + (20 − 1)(4)] = 860

6)

!"&-

! (5𝑟 − 2)
!"$

In English, this says replace every r starting from 1 in the expression given (5𝑟 − 2) and go all the way to
20. We add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Let’s see in detail how this works.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
!"&-

! (5𝑟 − 2)
!"$

To do this we replace (5𝑟 − 2) with the values of 𝑟

We know 𝑟 starts at 1 and ends at 20
This is not many terms so it’s easy to write them all out. Normally we just write out the first 3 or 4
terms which is enough to spot the pattern from afterwards
(5(1) − 2) + (5(2) − 2) + (5(3) − 2) + ⋯

= 3 + 8 + 13 + ⋯

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

Here we keep adding 1 each time so we have an arithmetic sequence with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 5

Step 3: Find the sum

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Way 1: use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 5
we have 20 terms
&-
𝑆# = & [2(3) + (20 − 1)(5)] = 1010

7)

!"+&

! (5𝑟 + 3)
!"$

In English, this says replace every r starting from 1 in the expression given (5𝑟 + 3) and go all the way to
42. We add (∑ means add) all these terms found.

Let’s see in detail how this works.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
!"+&

! (5𝑟 + 3)
!"$

To do this we replace (5𝑟 + 3) with the values of 𝑟

We know 𝑟 starts at 1 and ends at 42
This is not many terms so it’s easy to write them all out. Normally we just write out the first 3 or 4
terms which is enough to spot the pattern from afterwards
(5(1) + 3) + (5(2) + 3) + (5(3) + 3) + ⋯

= 8 + 13 + 18 + ⋯

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

Here we keep adding 1 each time so we have an arithmetic sequence with 𝑎 = 8 and 𝑑 = 5

Step 3: Find the sum

Way 1: use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = 8 and 𝑑 = 5

we have 42 terms
+&
𝑆+& = & [2(8) + (20 − 1)(5)] = 2331

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2 Silver

8)
i.

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
%"&-

! 3𝑛
%"$

To do this we replace 3𝑛 with the values of 𝑛

We know 𝑛 starts at 1and ends at 20.
This is quite a lot of terms so let’s just write few terms out which will be enough to spot
the pattern from afterwards
3(1) + 3(2) + 3(3) + 3(4) + ⋯ + 60

= 3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + ⋯ 60

Step 2: Decide what type of series we have

Here we keep adding 3 each time so we have an arithmetic sequence with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 3

Step 3: Find the sum

use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 3
we have 20 terms
&-
𝑆&- = [2(3) + (20 − 1)(3)] = 630
&

ii.

%"$--

! 3𝑛
%"&$

Notice how here we don’t start from 1. There are 2 ways to deal with this. Force the sum to start from 1 or deal with it
as it currently is.

Way 1: Start the series from 21 Way 2: Force the series to start from 1

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the Using the fact that ∑%/ … = ∑%$ … − ∑/0$
$ …
sigma notation to see what the sequence looks
like. $-- $-- &-
%"$-- ! = ! −!
! 3𝑛 !"&$ !"$ !"$
%"&$
= 𝑆$-- − 𝑆&-
To do this we replace 3𝑛 with the values of 𝑛
$-- &-
We know 𝑛 starts at 21 and ends at 200 = [2(63) + (80 − 1)(3)] − [2(63) + (20 − 1)(3)]
& &

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3(21) + 3(22) + 3(23) + 3(24) + ⋯ + 3(100) = 15,150 − 630

= 63 + 66 + 69 + 12 + ⋯ + 300 = 14,520

Step 2: We know this is arithmetic already

from part i.

Step 3: Find the sum

Now we need to be careful since it is not as
obvious how many terms we have since the sum
doesn’t start from 1. There are 2 ways to find the
number of terms.

Way 1:
∑%!"/ generally has 𝑚 − 𝑛 + 1 terms
So here we have 100 − 21 + 1 = 63 terms

Way 2:
The last term is 300
We can solve 𝑢% = 300
This will tell us how many terms we
have
𝑢% = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
63 + (𝑛 − 1)3 = 300
63 + 3𝑛 − 3 = 300
3𝑛 = 240
𝑛 = 80

use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with

𝑎 = 63 and 𝑑 = 3. We have 80 terms
80
𝑆1- = [2(63) + (80 − 1)(3)] = 14,520
2

9)

!")-

! (7 + 2𝑟)
!"$-

Notice how here we don’t start from 1. There are 2 ways to deal with this. Force the sum to start from 1 or deal
with it as it currently is.

Way 1: Start the series from 10 Way 2: Force the series to start from 1
Using the fact that ∑%/ … = ∑%$ … − ∑/0$
$ …
Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the
sigma notation to see what the sequence looks )- )- *

like. ! = ! −!
!")-
!"$- !"$ !"$
! (7 + 2𝑟)
!"$- 𝑆$-- − 𝑆&-

)- *
We know 𝑟 starts at 10 and ends at 30 = [2(9) + (30 − 1)(2)] − [2(9) + (9 − 1)(2)]
& &

(2(10) + 7) + (2(11) + 7) + ⋯ + (2(30) + 7) = 1140 − 153

= 27 + 29 + ⋯ + 67 = 987
Step 2: This is arithmetic

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Step 3: Find the sum
Now we need to be careful since it is not as
obvious how many terms we have since the sum
doesn’t start from 1. There are 2 ways to find the
number of terms.

Way 1:
∑%!"/ generally has 𝑚 − 𝑛 + 1 terms
So here we have 30 − 10 + 1 = 21 terms

Way 2:
The last term is 67
We can solve 𝑢% = 67
This will tell us how many terms we
have
𝑢% = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
27 + (𝑛 − 1)2 = 67
27 + 2𝑛 − 2 = 67
𝑛 = 21

use the 𝑠% formula for an arithmetic series with

𝑎 = 27 and 𝑑 = 2. We have 21 terms
21
𝑆&$ = [2(27) + (21 − 1)(2)] = 987
2

10)

!"#

!(2! − 1)
!")

Notice how here we don’t start from 1. There are 2 ways to deal with this. Force the sum to start from 1 or
deal with it as it currently is.

Way 1: Start the series from 3 Way 2: Force the series to start from 1
Using the fact that ∑%/ … = ∑%$ … − ∑/0$
$ …
Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of
the sigma notation to see what the sequence # # &

looks like. ! = ! −!
!"#
!") !"$ !"$
!(2! − 1)
!") 𝑆# − 𝑆&

To do this we replace 22 − 1 with the values 𝑆# = (2$ − 1) + (2& − 1)+. . +(2# − 1)

of r
We know 𝑟 starts at 3 and ends at 6 𝑆# = 120

(2) − 1) + (2+ − 1) + (2. − 1) + (2# − 1) 𝑆& = (2& − 1) + (2$ − 1)

𝑆& = 4
= 7 + 15 + 31 + 63
𝑆# − 𝑆& = 116
Step 2: This is a model which we can do the
sum as there aren’t many terms

Step 3: Find the sum

This one does not have many terms so we
can work it out

7 + 15 + 31 + 63

= 116

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11)

!"+

! (1.5! )
!"0$

Notice how here we don’t start from 1. We could force it to start from one, but that does not make much sense
here to do so, so we can just keep it as starting from −1

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
!"+

! (1.5! )
!"0$

To do this we replace 1.56 with the values of 𝑟

We know 𝑛 starts at −1 and ends at 4

1.5'( + 1.55 + 1.5( … + 1.5*

2 81
= + 1 + 1.5 + ⋯ +
3 16

Step 2: This is a geometric sequence with

% 7
a=7r=%

Way 1: Use a formula Way 2: There aren’t many terms so we can just
add the terms
Now we need to be careful since it is not as obvious
how many terms we have since the sum doesn’t start
There are only 6 terms, so add them
from 1. There are 2 ways to find the number of terms.
% 0 %. /( --,
Way 1: Way 2: + 1 + 1.5 + + + =
7 * / (- */

∑%!"/ generally has 1$

The last term is $#
(n−m)+1 terms when m
<0 We can solve
1$
So here we have 𝑢% = $#
(4 − −1) + 1 = 6 terms
This will tell us how
many terms we have

𝑢% = 𝑎(𝑟 %0$ )

2 3 %0$ 81
B C =
3 2 16

3 %0$ 243
B C =
2 32

𝑛=6

Using the sum formula

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𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
𝑆% =
1−𝑟

2
(1 − 1.5# )
𝑆# = 3
1 − 1.5

665
𝑆# =
48

12)
i.

Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma notation to see what the sequence looks like.
!"(

! 2!
!"+

To do this we replace 22 with the values of 𝑟

We know 𝑛 starts at 4 and ends at 7

2+ + 2. + 2# + 2(
16 + 32 + 64 + 128 = 240

ii.

!")-

! 2!
!"+

Notice how here we don’t start from 1. We have two options with how to deal with this

Way 1: Start the series from 4 Way 2: Force the series to start from 1

Step 1: Write a few terms out i.e. get rid of the sigma 8475 847 8475
notation to see what the sequence looks like. 2 2 − 2 2 = 2 23
3 3
!")-
84( 84( 84*
! 2!
!"+
To do this we replace 22 with the values of 𝑛
We know 𝑛 starts at 4 and ends at 30 2(1 − 275 ) 2(1 − 27 )
𝑆75 − 𝑆7 = −
1−2 1−2
2+ + 2. + ⋯ + 2)-
𝑆75 = 2147483646 − 14
= 16 + 32 + 64 + ⋯ + 1073741824
= 2147483632
Step 2: This is a geometric sequence with
a = 16 d = 2

Step 3: Find the sum

Now we need to be careful since it is not as obvious how
many terms we have since the sum doesn’t start from 1.
There are 2 ways to find the number of terms.

Way 1: Way 2:

∑%!"/ generally has (n- The last term is

m)+1 terms when m < 0 1073741824

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So here we have (30-4) + We can solve
1 = 27 terms 𝑢% = 1073741824

This will tell us how many

terms we
have
𝑢% = 𝑎𝑟 %0$

16(2)%0$ =
1073741824

(2)%0$ = 67108864
𝑛 = 27

Using the sum formula

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
𝑆% =
1−𝑟

16(1 − 2&( )
𝑆&( =
1−2

𝑆&( = 2147483632

iii.
The ratio is 2, for a system to converge: |𝑟|<1, this system diverges

13)
i.

To do this we replace 2r − 5 with the values of 𝑛

2(1) − 5 , 2(2) − 5 , 2(3) − 5

−3, −1, 1
ii.

Using part i, look at term one and two and subtract them:
−1 − −3 = 2

iii.

Using part i. a= −3
Using part ii. d = 2

Using the formula for sum of an arithmetic series:

n
𝑆% = (2(𝑎) + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2

Subbing in the values

n
𝑠% = (2(−3) + 2(𝑛 − 1))
2
n
= (−6 + 2𝑛 − 2)
2
n
= (2𝑛 − 8)
2

= 𝑛(𝑛 − 4)

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14)
Start by listing some of the terms
%

!𝑟
!"$

1+2+3+4+⋯

Now we can establish the constants we need:

first term= 𝑎 = 1
common difference = 𝑑 = 1
number of terms = n

Using the formula for sum of an arithmetic series:

n
𝑆% = (2(𝑎) + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2

Subbing in the values

n
𝑆% = (2(1) + 1(𝑛 − 1))
2
n
= (2 + 𝑛 − 1)
2
n
= (𝑛 + 1)
2

15)
#
2 !0$
! 10 × B C
3
!"$

Way 1: Leave the constant inside Way 2: Take out the constant

The sum only depends on 𝒓 so we can take the 10

#
2 !0$ out (like with integration)
! 10 × B C
3 #
!"$
2 !0$
10 ! B C
Start by listing some of the terms of the series 3
!"$

2 - 2 $ 2 & Ignore the 10.

= 10 B C + 10 B C + 10 B C + ⋯ Start by listing some of the terms of the series
3 3 3

20 40 2 - 2 $ 2 &
= 10 + + +⋯ =B C +B C +B C +⋯
3 9 3 3 3
Now we can establish the constants we need: 2 4
first term= 𝑎 = 10 =1+ + +⋯
3 9
&
common ratio= 𝑟 =
)
number of terms = 6 Now we can establish the constants we need:
first term= 𝑎 = 1
&
Using the formula for sum of a geometric series: common ratio= 𝑟 = )
number of terms = 6
𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
=
(1 − 𝑟) Using the formula for sum of geometric series:
Subbing in the values:

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𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
# =
2 (1 − 𝑟)
10 H1 − I3J K
Subbing in the values:
=
2
1−3
2 #
1 H1 − I3J K
Simplifying the terms =
2
1−3
Simplifying the terms
6650
= 729
1 665
3
= 729
1
6650 3
=
243 665
=
243

Remembering the factor 10 we took out, we need

to time that back in

665
= × 10
243

6650
=
243

16)

3
2 !0$
! 10 × B C
3
!"$

Way 1: Leave the constant inside Way 2: Take out the constant

The sum only depends on 𝒓 so we can take the 10

3
2 !0$ out (like with integration)
! 10 × B C
3 3
!"$
2 !0$
10 ! B C
Start by listing some of the terms of the series 3
!"$

2 - 2 $ 2 &
= 10 B C + 10 B C + 10 B C + ⋯ Ignore the 10.
3 3 3
Start by listing some of the terms of the series
20 40
= 10 + + +⋯
3 9 2 - 2 $ 2 &
=B C +B C +B C +⋯
3 3 3
Now we can establish the constants we need:
first term= 𝑎 = 10 2 4
& =1+ + +⋯
common ratio= 𝑟 = 3 9
)
we have an infinite number of term, so we want
to use the sum to infinity Now we can establish the constants we need:
first term= 𝑎 = 1
&
Using the formula for sum of sum to infinity: common ratio= 𝑟 =
)
we have an infinite number of term, so we want
𝑎 to use the sum to infinity
=
1−𝑟

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Subbing in the values: Using the formula for sum of sum to infinity:

10 𝑎
= =
2 1−𝑟
1−3 Subbing in the values:
Simplifying the terms
1
10 =
2
= 1−3
1
3 Simplifying the terms

= 30
1
=
1
3

=3

Remembering the factor 10 we took out, we need

to time that back in

= 3 × 10

= 30

17)

3
2 !0$
! 10 × B C
3
!"(

Way 1: Leave the constant inside Way 2: Take out the constant

The sum only depends on 𝒓 so we can take the 10

3
2 !0$ out (like with integration)
! 10 × B C
3 3
!"(
2 !0$
10 ! B C
Start by listing some of the terms of the series 3
!"(

2 (0$ 2 10$ 2 *0$

= 10 B C + 10 B C + 10 B C Ignore the 10.
3 3 3
Start by listing some of the terms of the series
640 1280 2560
= + +
729 2187 65561 2 (0$ 2 10$ 2 *0$
=B C +B C +B C
3 3 3
Now we can establish the constants we need:
#+-
first term= 𝑎 = 64 128 256
(&* = + +
common ratio= 𝑟 = )
& 729 2187 65561
we have an infinite number of terms, so we want Now we can establish the constants we need:
to use the sum to infinity first term= 𝑎 =
#+
(&*
&
Using the formula for sum of sum to infinity: common ratio= 𝑟 = )
we have an infinite number of terms, so we want
𝑎 to use the sum to infinity
=
1−𝑟
Subbing in the values: Using the formula for sum of sum to infinity:
640 𝑎
=
= 729 1−𝑟
2
1−3 Subbing in the values:

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Simplifying the terms
64
640 = 729
2
= 729 1−3
1
3 Simplifying the terms

640
= 64
243
= 729
1
3

64
=
243

Remembering the factor 10 we took out, we need

to time that back in

64
= × 10
243

640
=
243

18)

Start by taking out the constant 20 (we can take this out since the sum depends on r only. We don’t have
to though)
3
1 !
20 ! B C
2
!"+

Start by listing some of the terms (remember the sequence starts from 4)

1 + 1 . 1 #
= B C +B C +B C
2 2 2

1 1 1
= + +
16 32 64

Now we can establish the constants we need:

$
first term= 𝑎 =
$#
$
common ratio= 𝑟 = &
Using the formula for sum to infinity:

𝑎
=
1−𝑟
Subbing in the values:

1
= 16
1
1−2
Simplifying the terms

1
= 16
1
2

1
=
8

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Remembering the factor 20 we took out, we need to time that back in

1
= × 20
8

= 2.5

19)
Start by listing some of the terms
%

!(2𝑟 − 3)
!"$

= (2(1) − 3) + ( 2(2) − 3) + ( 2(3) − 3) + ⋯

= −1 + 1 + 3 + ⋯

Now we can establish the constants we need:

first term= 𝑎 = −1
common difference =𝑑 = 2
number of terms = n

Using the formula for sum of arithmetic series:

n
𝑆% = (2(𝑎) + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2

Subbing in the values

n
𝑆% = (2(−1) + 2(𝑛 − 1))
2
n
= (−2 + 2𝑛 − 2)
2
n
= (2𝑛 − 4)
2

= 𝑛(𝑛 − 2)

ii.

Using the equation we found in part i, and letting n = 50

𝑆% = 50(50 − 2) = 2400

iii.
Given 𝑆% = 575

We just need to set the equation equal to the value found

𝑛(𝑛 − 2) = 575

𝑛& − 2𝑛 = 575

𝑛& − 2𝑛 − 575 = 1

0 = 𝑛& − 2𝑛 − 575 = 0

(𝑛 − 25)(𝑛 + 23) = 0

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𝑛 = 25, 𝑛 = −23

𝑛 = 25 (since 𝑛 can’t be negative)

20)
Start by listing some of the terms
%

! 3 × 5!0$
!"$

= ( 3 × 5$0$ ) + (3 × 5&0$ ) + (3 × 5)0$ )

= 3 + 15 + 75 + ⋯

Now we can establish the constants we need:

first term= 𝑎 = 2
common ratio= 𝑟 = 5
number of terms = m

Using the formula for sum of an arithmetic series:

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 / )
=
1−𝑟
Subbing in the values:

3(1 − 5/ )
=
1−5
Told 𝑆/ = 7324218

3(1 − 5/ )
= 7324218
1−5

Getting rid of the fractions

3(1 − 5/ ) = −29296872

Dividing by 3
1 − 5/ = −97765624
Solving for n
𝑚 = 10

21)
Start by listing some of the terms
%

!(5𝑟 + 3)
!"$

= (5(1) + 3) + (5(2) + 3) + (5(3) + 3)

= 8 + 13 + 18 + ⋯

Now we can establish the constants we need:

first term= 𝑎 = 8
common difference= 𝑑 = 5
number of terms = n

Using the formula for sum of an arithmetic series:

𝑛
= (2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1))
2
Form the inequality:

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𝑛
L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M > 1000
2

Subbing in the values

𝑛
L16 + 5(𝑛 − 1)M > 1000
2
𝑛
(5𝑛 + 11) > 1000
2

Expanding the brackets and removing the fractions

5𝑛& + 11𝑛 > 2000

Making this into a quadratic

5𝑛& + 11𝑛 − 2000 > 0

Making use of the quadratic formula

−𝑏 ± √𝑏& − 4𝑎𝑐
n=
2𝑎
Remember to graph the left hand side or use a number line to solve the inequality

𝑛 > 18.9, 𝑛 < −21.13

Using the decimals, and knowing that we cannot have a negative n

𝑛 > 19
So n = 19

22)

Start by listing some of the terms

%

!(100 − 3𝑟)
!"$

= L100 − 3(1)M + L100 − 3(2)M + L100 − 3(3)M + ⋯

= 97 + 94 + 91 + ⋯

Now we can establish the constants we need:

first term= 𝑎 = 97
common difference= 𝑑 = −3
number of terms = n

Using the formula for sum of an arithmetic series:

𝑛
= (2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1))
2

Form the inequality:

𝑛
L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M < 0
2

Subbing in the values

𝑛
L194 − 3(𝑛 − 1)M < 0
2
𝑛
(194 − 3𝑛 + 3) < 0
2

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𝑛
(197 − 3𝑛) < 0
2

Now looking at the second bracket, set it equal to 0

𝑛(197 − 3𝑛) < 0

Remember to graph the left-hand side or use a number line to solve the inequality

197
𝑛 < 0, 𝑛 > = 65.6666666
3

𝑛 = 66

23)

Start by listing some of the terms

%

!(100 − 4𝑟)
!"$

= (100 − 4(1) ) + L100 − 4(2)M + L100 − 4(3)M + ⋯

= 96 + 92 + 88 + ⋯

Now we can establish the constants we need:

first term= 𝑎 = 96
common difference= 𝑑 = −4
number of terms = n

Using the formula for sum of arithmetic:

𝑛
= (2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1))
2
𝑛
L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M = 0
2

Subbing in the values

𝑛
L192 − 4(𝑛 − 1)M = 0
2
𝑛
(192 − 4𝑛 + 4) = 0
2
𝑛
(196 − 4𝑛) = 0
2

Now looking at the second bracket, set it equal to 0

196 − 4𝑛 = 0

196 = 4𝑛
50 = 𝑛

𝑛 = 50

24)
i.

We have been given the formula:

%

! 𝑎! = 12 + 4𝑛&
!"$

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∑.!"$ 𝑎! means we replace 𝑟 with 5
12 + 4(5)&
= 112

For 𝑎# , we need to work out the sum of the first 6 terms, and then subtract the sum of the first 5 terms to
give the 6th term:

! 𝑎! = 12 + 4(6)&
!"$
= 156

𝑎# = 156 − 112
𝑎# = 44

ii.

For the second part, start by listing some terms

3
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
! !
= -+ $ + &+ )=𝑎 + + + +⋯
4 4 4 4 4 4 16 64
!"-

Now we can establish the constants we need

Notice how this is a geometric sequence, with:
4
first term =
+
$
common ratio =
+

4
∑3
!"- = 𝑠3 = 16
+!

𝑎
Sum to infinity =
1−𝑟
We have
𝑎
= 16
1
1−4

𝑎
= 16
3
4

𝑎 = 12

25)
Writing in the correct form
5 5

! 𝑢% = !(2𝑛 + 7)
%"$ %"$

Start by listing some of the terms

= (2(1) + 7 ) + ( 2(2) + 7) + (2(3) + 7 ) + ⋯

= 9 + 11 + 13 + ⋯

Now we can establish the constants we need:

first term= 𝑎 = 9
common difference= 𝑑 = 2
number of terms = N

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Using the formula for sum of arithmetic series:

𝑁
= (2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑁 − 1))
2
We are given that this sum = 2100

𝑁
L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑁 − 1)M = 2100
2

Subbing in the values

𝑁
L18 + 2(𝑁 − 1)M = 2100
2

𝑁
(18 + 2𝑁 − 2) = 2100
2
𝑁
(16 + 2𝑁) = 2100
2
𝑁(8 + 𝑁) = 2100

Now looking at the second bracket, set it equal to 0

𝑁 & + 8𝑁 = 2100

𝑁 & + 8𝑁 − 2100 = 0
Using the quadratic formula

−𝑏 ± √𝑏& − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎
𝑁 = 42, −50

But the value cannot be negative

𝑁 = 42

26)

* )
Hint: 𝑎 = $# , 𝑟 = − + , 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑆3

3
3 %
! B C cos (180𝑛)
4
!"&

Start by listing some of the terms (remember the sequence starts from 2)

3 & 3 ) 3 +
= B C cos(180 × 2) + B C cos(180 × 3) + B C cos(180 × 4) + ⋯
4 4 4

9 27 81
= +− +
16 64 256

Now we can establish the constants we need:

*
first term= 𝑎 =
$#
)
common ratio= 𝑟 = − +
we have an infinite number of terms so want to use the sum to infinity formula

Using the formula for sum to infinity:

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9
= 16
3
1 − I− 4J
Subbing in the values:

9
= 16
7
4
Simplifying the terms

9
=
28

27)

Start by taking out the constant 𝑘 (we can take this out since the sum depends on r only. We don’t have to
though)
3
1 !
𝑘 !B C
3
!"$

Start by listing some of the terms

1 $ 1 & 1 )
=B C +B C +B C
3 3 3

1 1 1
= + +
3 9 27

Now we can establish the constants we need:

$
first term= 𝑎 = )
$
common ratio= 𝑟 = )
we have an infinite number of terms so want to use the sum to infinity formula

Using the formula for sum to infinity:

𝑎
1−𝑟
Subbing in the values:

1
= 3
1
1−3
Simplifying the terms

1
= 3
2
3

1
=
2

Put the constant back

Writing this in the form of an equation:

1
𝑘=7
2

𝑘 = 14

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28)
To write in sigma notation, we need to first establish an nth term:

first term= 𝑎 = 4
common difference = 𝑑 = 3

We need to work out the number of terms:

We have been given the last term, 31, so subbing into the formula

= 𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)
We can say
31 = 4 + 3(𝑛 − 1)

𝑛 = 10
Now working out the nth term

𝑢% = 4 + 3(𝑛 − 1)
= 4 + 3𝑛 − 3
= 3𝑛 + 1

So now we have an nth term, and we have the number of items:

$-

! 3𝑟 + 1
!"$

29)

To write in sigma notation, we need to first establish an nth term:

first term= 𝑎 = 40
common difference = 𝑑 = −4

We need to work out the number of terms:

We have been given the last term, 10, so subbing into the formula

= 𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)
We can say
0 = 40 − 4(𝑛 − 1)

𝑛 = 11
Now working out the nth term

𝑢% = 40 − 4(𝑛 − 1)
= 40 − 4𝑛 + 4
= −4𝑛 + 44

So now we have an nth term, and we have the number of items:

$$

!(−4𝑟 + 44)
!"$

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30)
We notice that this is a geometric series, and nearly all of the information is already given to us:

3+3& + 3) + 3+ + ⋯ + 31

first term= 𝑎 = 3
common ratio = 𝑟 = 3
the number of terms = 8

Now working out the nth term

𝑢% = 3(3)%0$

Using the fact that the formula for an item in a geometric series:

1 1
!0$
! 3(3) = ! 3!
!"$ !"$

31)
To write in sigma notation, we need to first establish an nth term:

Start by writing out the first few terms:

6 + 12 + 18 …

first term= 𝑎 = 6
common difference = 𝑑 = 6

We need to work out the number of terms:

To work out the last term, start by dividing 100 by 6

100
= 16.666
6
Therefore the last integer multiple is 6 \× 16 = 96

This also means that the value of n we go up to is 16

Now working out the nth term

= 6 + 6(𝑛 − 1)
= 6 + 6𝑛 − 6
= 6𝑛

So now we have an nth term, and we have the number of items:

$#

! 6𝑛
!"$

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3 Gold

32)

Start with the information we have been given

The third term is 28
The 6th term is 8
Subbing these into the equation:

𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 = 27 = 𝑎𝑟 )0$ = 27 = 𝑎𝑟 &

𝑠𝑖𝑥𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 = 8 = 𝑎𝑟 #0$ = 8 = 𝑎𝑟 .

Divide the 2 terms (trick to solve simultaneously:

8 𝑎𝑟 .
= &
27 𝑎𝑟
Simplifying

8
= 𝑟)
27

2
𝑟=
3
Subbing into any of the 2 equations:

2 &
27 = 𝑎 B C
3

243
𝑎=
4

We need to find the value of ∑3

!"# 𝑢!

𝑢# + 𝑢( + ⋯

first term =a= 8 (since the first term is 𝑢# )

&
common ratio =d=
)
Using the formula for sum to infinity:

𝑎
=
1−𝑟
Subbing in the values:

8
=
2
1−3
Simplifying the terms

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8
= = 24
1
3

33)

A geometric series, 𝑢% has second term 375 and fifth term 81. Find the sum to infinity and hence the value of
∑3%"# 𝑢%

We need to find a and r first

𝑢& = 375 and 𝑢. = 81
𝑎𝑟 = 375, 𝑎𝑟 + = 81

Solve simultaneously
𝑎𝑟 + 81
=
𝑎𝑟 375
27
𝑟) =
125
3
𝑟 = = 0.6
5
𝑎 = 625

There are 2 ways to proceed from here in order to find the sum
Way 1: Start the series from 6 Way 2: Force the series to start from 1
3

! 𝑢% 3 3 .
%"# ! 𝑢% = ! 𝑢% − ! 𝑢%
%"# %"$ %"$
𝑢% = 𝑎𝑟 %0$
= 𝑆3 − 𝑆.
First term is 𝑢# = 625(0.6). = 48.6 =
625
−
625(1 − 0.6" )
= 1562.5 − 1441 = 121.5
48.6 1 − 0.6 1 − 0.6
𝑆3 = = 121.5
1 − 0.6
3.1 With Logs
34)
i.
/

! ln 3!
!"$
Start by writing the first 3 terms:
ln 3$ + ln 3& + ln 3) + …

Use log rules to simplify

1 ln 3 + 2 ln 3 + 3 ln 3 + ⋯

If it is an arithmetic series, the difference between the first and second is the same as between the second
and third:
2 ln 3 − 1 ln 3 = ln 3
3 ln 3 − 2 ln 3 = ln 3
We have the difference the same here, therefore this is an arithmetic series with 𝑎 = ln 3, 𝑑 = ln 3

ii.

To start with simplify the summation:

first term = 𝑎 = ln 3
𝑐ommon difference =𝑑 = ln 3

Using the summation formula

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𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2
Subbing in the values
20
= L2 ln 3 + ln 3 (20 − 1)M
2

= 10(2 ln 3 + 19 ln 3)

= 210 ln 3

iii.

Notice how this is the same premise as before, but instead of n being 20, n = 2m

Using the summation formula

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2
Subbing in the values
2𝑚
= L2 ln 3 + ln 3 (2𝑚 − 1)M
2

= 𝑚(2 ln 3 + (2𝑚 − 1) ln 3)

= 𝑚(2 ln 3 + 2𝑚𝑙𝑛 3 − ln 3)

= 𝑚(ln 3 + 2𝑚 𝑙𝑛 3)

= 𝑙𝑛 3 𝑚 + 2𝑚& ln 3

= ln 3 (𝑚 + 2𝑚& )

35)

,5

2 ln(23 )
34(

i.
Start by writing the first few terms:
= ln 2( + ln 2% + ln 27 + ⋯
Use log rules to simplify

= ln 2 + 2ln 2 + 3 ln 2 + ⋯

first term = 𝑎 = ln 2
common difference = d= ln 2
𝑛 = 50

This is arithmetic with a=ln2 and d=ln2 and we want 𝑠.-

Using the summation formula

𝑛
= &2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)'
2
Subbing in the values
50
= &2ln 2 + ln 2 (50 − 1)'
2

= 25(2ln 2 + 49ln 2)

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= 25(51ln 2)
= 1275 ln 2

36)
i.
We are given the first 3 terms, so to work out the common ratio, it will be the second term divide by the
first term:

ln 𝑥 1
=
ln 𝑥$#
Using the laws of logs simplify

8ln 𝑥
=
16ln 𝑥
Cancelling the common factors

1
=
2

ii.

Start by writing out the first few terms:

= 2.0$ ln 𝑥 , 2.0& ln 𝑥 , 2.0) ln 𝑥 + ⋯

= 2+ ln 𝑥 + 2) ln 𝑥 + 2& ln 𝑥 + ⋯.

= 16 ln 𝑥 , 8 ln 𝑥 , 4 ln 𝑥

This is a geometric series with:

first term =𝑎 = 16ln 𝑥
1 67 8 $
common ratio= 𝑟 = $# 67 8 = &

We want to find the sum to infinity

Using the summation formula

𝑎
=
1−𝑟
Subbing in the values
16 ln 𝑥
=
1
1−2

= 32 ln 𝑥

Now setting this equal to 64:

32 ln 𝑥 = 64

ln 𝑥 = 2

Raise both sides to the power of e

𝑒 67 8 = 𝑒 &
𝑥 = 𝑒&

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4 Diamond

4.1 With Logs

37)
i.

Start by simplifying the summation ∑$$

!"$ ln 𝑝
%

Using the laws of logs

$$

! n ln 𝑝
%"$

Start by writing out the first few terms of the summation:

$$

! n ln 𝑝
%"$

= ln 𝑝 + 2 ln 𝑝 + 3 ln 𝑝 + ⋯

This is an arithmetic series with:

first term = 𝑎 = ln p
common difference= 𝑑 = 2 ln 𝑝 − ln 𝑝 = ln 𝑝

Using the summation formula

𝑛
= (2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1))
2
Subbing in the values
11
= [2(ln 𝑝) + ln 𝑝 (11 − 1)]
2
11
= [2 ln 𝑝 + 10 ln 𝑝]
2

= 5.5[12 ln 𝑝]

= 66 ln 𝑝

So
𝑘 = 66

ii.

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$$

! ln(8𝑝% )
%"$

Using the laws of logs ln(8𝑝8 ) can be split up as:

ln(8𝑝8 ) = ln 8 +ln (𝑝8 )

We can therefore write the summation formulas:

$$ $$ $$
%
! ln 8𝑝 = ! ln 8 + ! ln 𝑝%
%"$ %"$ %"$
Working on the red first

This is just adding 11 lots of ln 8 since there is no variable inside the sum, doing that:

$$

! ln 8 = 11𝑙𝑛 8
!"$

Working on the green next

%"$ ln 𝑝 = 66 ln 𝑝 from part i

∑$$ %

$$

! ln 8𝑝% = 11 ln 8 + 66 ln 𝑝
!"$

Now we want to get the RHS in the form of the question:

11 ln 8 = 11 ln 2) = 33 ln 2

66 ln 𝑝 = (33 × 2) ln 𝑝 = (2 × 33) ln 𝑝 = 33 ln 𝑝&

Adding the terms:
= 33 ln 2 + 33 ln 𝑝&

33(ln 2 + ln 𝑝& )

= 33 ln 2𝑝&

iii.

Using the answer to part ii:

33 ln 2𝑝& < 0
Divide both sides by 33

ln 2𝑝& < 0

Raise both sides to the power of e:

2𝑝& < 1
Rearrange for p2

1
𝑝& <
2

Use a number line or graph to solve the inequality

√& √&
− &
<𝑝< &

but p can’t be negative since told p is a positive constant

√&
0<𝑝< &

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38)

$.

! 𝑎% & = 𝑙𝑛𝑥 %
%"$

Write out a few terms

(𝑙𝑛𝑥$ )& + (𝑙𝑛𝑥 & )& + (𝑙𝑛𝑥 ) )& + ⋯ + (𝑙𝑛𝑥$. )&

= (ln𝑥)& + (2𝑙𝑛𝑥)& + (3𝑙𝑛𝑥)& + ⋯ + (15𝑙𝑛𝑥)&

We can’t use log rules. We can only bring the power up and down if it is the power of the argument of ln.
We can’t bring the power down when the whole ln is to that power

This sum is neither arithmetic or geometric (it is a quadratic sequence) and we have no real way of
solving this, rather then working out all of the terms:

= (ln𝑥)& + 2& (ln𝑥)& + 3& (ln𝑥)& + ⋯ + 15& (𝑙𝑛𝑥)&

= (𝑙𝑛𝑥)& [1& + 2& + 3& + 4& + 5& + ⋯ + 15& ]

= 1240(𝑙𝑛𝑥)&

39)
Start by working out the first few terms:

+1
𝑛+2
! log . B C
𝑛+1
%"$

3 4 5 6 50
= log . + log . + log . + log . + ⋯ + log .
2 3 4 5 49

This is neither a geometric not arithmetic series. We will have to use log rules to try and simplify
instead

We can proceed in 2 different ways.

3 4 5 6 50 3 4 5 6 50
log . + log . + log . + log . + ⋯ + log . log . + log . + log . + log . + ⋯ + log .
2 3 4 5 49 2 3 4 5 49

Use log rules: log 𝑎 + log 𝑏 = log 𝑎𝑏 3 4 5 6 50

log . + log . + log . + log . + ⋯ + log .
2 3 4 5 49
3 4 5 6 48 49 50
log B × × × × … × × × C
2 3 4 5 47 48 49
4
Use log rules: log : = log − log 𝑏
3 4 5 6 48 49 50
log B × × × × … × × × C
2 3 4 5 47 48 49 (log . 3 − log . 2) + (log . 4 − log . 3) + (log . 5 −
log . 4) + (log . 6 − log . 5) + ⋯ + (log . 50 −
all will cancel out except the first and the last (see log . 49) +
the colour pairs)
All terms cancel except the first and the last
50
= log . B C
2 = −log . 2 + log . 50
= log . 25 = log . 50. − log . 2
Writing this as an integer (simplifying)
=2 = log . 25

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Writing this as an integer (simplifying)
=2

40)

Start by writing out all of the terms (here we use n to represent the infinity term)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
𝑆 = j − k + j − k +j − k + ⋯+j − k+j − k+j − k
2 3 3 4 4 5 𝑛−1 𝑛 𝑛 𝑛+1 𝑛+1 𝑛+2

Notice how apart from the two red terms, ever other one has an opposite pair, we can use these to cause
cancelations

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= + B− + C + B− + C + B− + C + ⋯ B− + C + B− + C + B− + C
2 3 3 4 4 5 5 𝑛−1 𝑛−1 𝑛 𝑛 𝑛+1 𝑛+1
1
−
𝑛+2

Simplifying:
1 1
= −
2 𝑛+2

4.2 Two Series

41)

Hint: There are 2 series here. Use fact that ∑ 𝑥 + 𝑦 = ∑ 𝑥 + ∑ 𝑦

Writing this in sigma notation

$#

! 3 + 5r + 22
!"$
Splitting this up into 2 series

$# $#

! 3 + 5r + ! 2!
!"$ !"$

Looking at the blue equations:

= L3 + 5(1)M + L3 + 5(2)M + L3 + 5(3)M + ⋯

= 8 + 13 + 18 + ⋯

This is an arithmetic series with:

first term = 𝑎 = 8
common difference= 𝑑 = 5
we have 16 terms

Using the sum equation:

𝑛
= (2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1))
2

16
= (2(8) + 5(16 − 1))
2
= 728

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Now looking at the green sum

Writing out the first few terms:

= 2$ + 2& + 2) …
=2+4+8

This is a geometric series with:

first term = 𝑎 = 8
common ratio= 𝑟 = 2
we have 16 terms

Using the equation:

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
=
1−𝑟

2(1 − 2$# )
=
1−2

= 131070

Adding the two series:

= 728 + 131070 = 131798

42)

Hint: There are 2 series here. Use fact that ∑ 𝑥 + 𝑦 = ∑ 𝑥 + ∑ 𝑦)

Writing this in sigma notation

3
2% + 4%
!
6%
%"-
Splitting this up into 2 series
3 3
2% 4%
! + !
6% 6%
!"- !"-

Looking at the blue series:

Write the first few terms

2- 2$ 2&
= + + +⋯
6- 6$ 6&

1 1
=1+ + +⋯
3 9

This is a geometric series with:

first term = 𝑎 = 1
$
common ratio= 𝑟 =
)
We have an infinite number or terms so we can use the sum to infinity

Using the sum to infinity equation:

1
=
1
1−3

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1
=
2
3

3
=
2

Now looking at the green series

Writing out the first few terms:

4- 4$ 4&
= + + +⋯
6- 6$ 6&
2 4
=1+ + +⋯
3 9
This is a geometric series with:
first term = 𝑎 = 1
&
common ratio= 𝑟 = )
We have an infinite number or terms so we can use the sum to infinity

Using the sum to infinity equation:

𝑎
=
1−𝑟

1
=
2
1−3
1
=
1
3

=3
Adding the two series:

3 9
= +3=
2 2

43)

(5 (*

2 𝑎 + (𝑟 − 1)𝑑 = 2 𝑎 + (𝑟 − 1)𝑑
34( 34((

Notice how both arithmetic series with just the nth term formulas so we can use

Working on the LHS:

this is an arithmetic series with
first term = 𝑎
common difference= 𝑑
number of terms= 10

Using this information, we can use the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

10
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(10 − 1)M
2

= 5(2𝑎 + 9𝑑)

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= 10𝑎 + 45𝑑

Working on the RHS now:

This is just the sum of 4 terms. As there is just 4 terms, we can just directly find them
= 𝑎 + 10𝑑 + 𝑎 + 11𝑑 + 𝑎 + 12𝑑 + 𝑎 + 13𝑑
Collecting like terms:
= 4𝑎 + 46𝑑
Equating the two terms:

10𝑎 + 45𝑑 = 4𝑎 + 46𝑑

𝑑 = 6𝑎

44)
i.

𝑠$. = 1320
𝑢. = 76

We can use these equations with their relevant formulae

15
L2𝑎 + 𝑑(15 − 1)M = 1320
2
15
(2𝑎 + 14𝑑) = 1320
2
15
(2𝑎 + 14𝑑) = 1320
2

2𝑎 + 14𝑑 = 176

7𝑎 + 𝑑(5 − 1) = 76
𝑎 + 4𝑑 = 76
Now solving the equations simultaneously:

176 = 2𝑎 + 14𝑑
76 = 𝑎 + 4𝑑

𝑎 = 60
𝑑= 4

ii.

We have been given

$. ' '

13 m! 𝑢% − ! 𝑢% n = 9 ! 𝑢'
%"$ %"$ %"$

We want to get rid of all of the summations:

From part i, we know that the sum of the first 15 terms is 1320

' '

13 m1320 − ! 𝑢% n = 9 ! 𝑢'
%"$ %"$

Now expanding the backets

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' '

17160 − 13 ! 𝑢% = 9 ! 𝑢'
%"$ %"$

Group the summations on one side (since they’re the same)

'

22 ! 𝑢' = 17160
%"$
Simplify
'

! 𝑢' = 780
%"$

𝑢' = 𝑎 + (𝑘 − 1)𝑑 = 60 + (𝑘 − 1)4 = 56 + 4𝑛

Replacing 𝑢' with 56 + 4𝑛

'

! (56 + 4𝑛) = 780

%"$

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2
Working on the LHS
this is an arithmetic series with
first term = 𝑎 = 60
common difference= 𝑑 = 4
number of terms= 𝑘

𝑘
L120 + 4(𝑘 − 1)M = 780
2
𝑘
(4𝑘 + 116) = 780
2
Simplifying
𝑘(4𝑘 + 116) = 1560

4𝑘 & + 116𝑘 − 1560 = 0

𝑘 = 10, −39
k must be positive, so k = 10

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5 Challenges

5.1 Arithmetic
45)
i.

The 25th term is 100, therefore:

100 = 𝑎 + 𝑑(25 − 1)
100 = 𝑎 + 24𝑑

Now using the second line:

The 5th term:
= 𝑎 + 4𝑑

The 35th term:

= 𝑎 + 34𝑑

So using the fact that 5th term is 8* the 35th term:

8(𝑎 + 34𝑑) = 𝑎 + 4𝑑
8𝑎 + 272𝑑 = 𝑎 + 4𝑑
7𝑎 + 268𝑑 = 0

Now working with the simultaneous equations

7𝑎 + 268𝑑 = 0
100 = 𝑎 + 24𝑑

𝑎 = 268 , 𝑑 = −7

ii.
Using the formula for the nth term:
= 𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)

= 268 − 7(𝑛 − 1)
= 275 − 7𝑛

Now working out now many terms are more then 0

275 − 7𝑛 > 0
275 > 7𝑛
275
>𝑛
7
39.29 > 𝑛
𝑆𝑜 39 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠

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iii.
This question states the maximum, which means we need to differentiate

'

! 56 + 4𝑛
%"$

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
𝑠% = L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2
a = 268
n=k
d = −7

𝑘
𝑠% = L536 − 7(𝑘 − 1)M
2
𝑘
𝑠% = (−7𝑘 + 543)
2
Simplifying
7 543
𝑠% = − 𝑘 & + 𝑘
2 2

Differentiating
543
𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 = −7𝑘 +
2

Setting equal to zero

543
−7𝑘 + =0
2

543
𝑘=
14
Subbing that value in

7 543 & 543 543

𝑠% = − B C + ( )
2 14 2 14

𝑠% = 5265

46)

Writing this as the sum of 2 sums:

&- &-

q! 2𝑟 + ! 𝑥r = 280
%"$ %"$

Looking at the green

&-

!𝑥
%"$
We know that this is just the sum of 20 x, therefore:

&-

! 𝑥 = 20𝑥
%"$

Now working on the red

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&-

! 2𝑟
%"$

Start by writing out the terms of the equation:

= 2(1) + 2(2) + 2(3) …

= 2 + 4 + 6…

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
𝑠% = L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

a=2
n = 20
d=2
20
𝑠% = L2(2) + 2(20 − 1)M
2
20
𝑠% = L2(2) + 2(20 − 1)M
2

𝑠% = 420

Therefore:
420 + 20𝑥 = 280
𝑥 = −7

47)
i.

First of all writing this is a form we can solve for

5
(5𝑘 + 28) = 370
2
Rearrange for n
(5𝑘 + 28) = 148

5𝑘 = 120

𝑘 = 24
ii.
Subbing in k for the summation and expanding the nth term

&+
25
! ( 𝑛 + 70)
2
%"$

Writing the first few terms:

165 215
= + 95 +
2 2

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
𝑠% = L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2
$#.
a=
&
n = 24
&.
d=
&

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24 165 25
𝑠% = q2 B C + (24 − 1)r
2 2 2

= 5430

48)
Writing this as the sum of 2 sums (for the green, we factor out p, as it is a constant):
&- &-

q! 25 + 𝑝 ! 𝑛r = 80
%"$ %"$

Looking at the green

&-

𝑝!𝑛
%"$
Looking at the sum, write the first few terms
=1+2+3+4

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2
Working on the LHS first

The constants =
$
a=&
n = 20
d=1

20
L2(1) + 1(20 − 1)M
2
= 210
We initially factored out a p, putting that back in:

= 210𝑝

Now working on the red

&-

! 25
%"$

This is the same as doing 25 lots of 20 as we add 25, 20 times:

= 25 ∗ 20 = 500

Writing this s an equation

500 + 210𝑝 = 80

𝑝 = −2

49) A sequence is defined as 𝑢!;$ = 𝑢! − 3 , 𝑢$"$$(

Solve the equation ∑%%"$ 𝑢! = 0

the first term is 117

Looking at the formula, the second term is 117 – 3 = 114 (since 𝑢& = 𝑢$ − 3)

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The third term is 114 – 3 = 111

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

The constants =
a = 117
n = we want to work it out
d = −3

𝑛
0= L2(117) − 3(𝑛 − 1)M
2
𝑛
0 = (−3𝑛 + 237)
2
This kind of looks like a quadratic, so we want one of the brackets to be 0, so using that information

−3𝑛 + 237 = 0

𝑛 = 79

50) Find in simplified for the terms of n, the value of

&%

!(3𝑟 − 2)(−1)!
%"$

Looking at the equation, (−1)! is a “swapper term”, it swaps the sign from positive to negative:

Start by writing out the first few terms of the sequence (we may need more than normal to establish a
patten)

= (−1)$(3(1) − 2) + (−1)& (3(2) − 2) + (−1)) (3(3) − 2) + (−1)+ (3(4) − 2) + (−1). (3(5) − 2)

+ (−1)# (3(6) − 2)

= −1 + 4 + −7 + 10 − 13 + 16

If you look at the numbers closely we notice we have 2 sequences:

= (−1 − 7 − 13) + (4 + 10 + 16)

Both of those sequences are arithmetic, as we can see from the constant difference

Furthermore, notice how the question has the sum of the first 2n terms, this means the sum of the first n
terms of these 2 sequences:

Working on the blue sequence

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

a = −1
n=n
d = −6

𝑛
0= L2(−1) − 6(𝑛 − 1)M
2
𝑛
= (−6𝑛 + 4)
2
= −3𝑛& + 2𝑛

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Working on the pink sequence

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

a=4
n = we want to work it out
d=6

𝑛
= L2(4) + 6(𝑛 − 1)M
2
𝑛
= (6𝑛 + 2)
2
= 3𝑛& + 𝑛

Adding the terms

= −3𝑛& + 2𝑛 + 3𝑛& + 𝑛

= 3𝑛

51)

We have been given the nth term using that:

We can split this into 2 summations (to start from 1 which is easier)

)5 )5 50$

! 𝑢! = ! (120 − 3𝑟) − ! (120 − 3𝑟)

!"5 !"$ !"$

Let’s deal with the blue sequence first

Start by writing out the first few terms of the sequence

= 120 − 3(1) + 120 − 3(2) + 120 − 3(3) + ⋯

= 117 + 114 + 111 + ⋯

We can see that

a = 117
n = 3N
d = −3

Using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

3𝑁
= L2(117) − 3(3𝑁 − 1)M
2
3𝑁
= (−9𝑁 + 237)
2

Let’s deal with the red sequence next

Start by writing out the first few terms of the sequence

= 120 − 3(1) + 120 − 3(2) + 120 − 3(3) + ⋯

= 117 + 114 + 111 + ⋯

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Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

We can see that

a = 117
n = N−1
d = −3

𝑁−1
= L2(117) − 3(𝑁 − 2)M
2
𝑁−1
= (−3𝑁 + 240)
2

Equating the terms

3𝑁 𝑁−1
(−9𝑁 + 237) − (−3𝑁 + 240) = 444
2 2

Now expanding and solving

3𝑁(−9𝑁 + 237) − (𝑁 − 1)(−3𝑁 + 240) = 888

−27𝑁 & + 711𝑁 − (−3𝑁 & + 240𝑁 + 3𝑁 − 240) = 888

−27𝑁 & + 711𝑁 − (−3𝑁 & + 243𝑁 − 240) = 888

−27𝑁 & + 711𝑁 + 3𝑁 & − 243𝑁 + 240 = 888

−24𝑁 & + 468𝑁 − 648 = 0

3
𝑛 = 18,
2
We cannot have a fraction

Therefore

𝑛 = 18

52)

We have two sums, splitting up into 2 sums

&' '

! 𝑢% − ! 𝑢%
!"$ !"$

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

The constants (we have been given the constants in the question)=
a = -10
n = 2k
d=4

2𝑘
= L2(−10) + 4(2𝑘 − 1)M
2
= 𝑘(8𝑘 − 24)

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Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

The constants =
a = -10
n=k
d=4

𝑘
= L2(−10) + 4(𝑘 − 1)M
2
𝑘
= (4𝑘 − 24)
2
= 𝑘(2𝑘 − 12)

Writing the equation:

𝑘
𝑘(8𝑘 − 24) − (4𝑘 − 24) = 1728
2

Expand and solve:

𝑘(8𝑘 − 24) − 𝑘(2𝑘 − 12) = 1728

8𝑘 & − 24𝑘 − 2𝑘 & + 12𝑘 = 1728

6𝑘 & − 12𝑘 − 1728 = 0

𝑘 = 18, −16
K cannot be negative

𝑘 = 18

53)
i.

The sum of the first 25 terms is 1050, subbing this into the summation formula

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2
Working on the LHS first

The constants =
a=a
n = 25
d=d

25
1050 = L2𝑎 + 𝑑(25 − 1)M
2
25
1050 = (2𝑎 + 24𝑑)
2

84 = 2𝑎 + 24𝑑

Also the 25th term is 72, using this equation:

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72 = 𝑎 + 𝑑(25 − 1)
72 = 𝑎 + 24𝑑
Now solving the equations:

84 = 2𝑎 + 24𝑑
72 = 𝑎 + 24𝑑

𝑎 = 12
𝑑 = 2.5

ii.

We have been given

&. ' '

117 m! 𝑢% − ! 𝑢% n = 233 ! 𝑢'

%"$ %"$ %"$

So we want to get rid of all of the summations:

To do so, working on the colours:

From part I, we know that the sum of the first 15 terms is 1320

' '

117 m1050 − ! 𝑢% n = 233 ! 𝑢'

%"$ %"$

Now expanding the backets

'

122850 = 350 ! 𝑢'

%"$
Simplify
'

351 = ! 𝑢'
%"$

$*
Replacing 𝑢' = 2.5𝑥 +
&

'
19
351 = ! 2.5𝑛 +
2
%"$

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2
Working on the LHS first

The constants =
a = 12
n=k
d = 2.5

𝑘
351 = L2(12) + 2.5(𝑘 − 1)M
2
𝑘
351 = (2.5𝑘 + 21.5)
2
Simplifying
5 43
351 = 𝑘 & + 𝑘
4 4

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5 43
0 = 𝑘 & + 𝑘 − 351
4 4

108
𝑘 = 13, −
5

So k must be positive, so k = 13

54)

We have two sums, splitting up into 2 sums

5 <

! 4𝑟 − 7 − ! 4𝑟 − 7
!"<;$ !"$

We can split the blue up into 2 terms as well

5 5 <

! 4𝑟 − 7 = ! 4𝑟 − 7 − ! 4𝑟 − 7
!"<;$ !"$ !"$

So now putting back to the original equation:

5 < <

! 4𝑟 − 7 − ! 4𝑟 − 7 − ! 4𝑟 − 7
!"$ !"$ !"$

5 <

! 4𝑟 − 7 − 2 ! 4𝑟 − 7
!"$ !"$

Doing the sum, using the summation formula:

𝑛
= L2𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 1)M
2

The constants (we have been given the constants in the question) =
A =−-3
n=N
D=4

𝑁
=L2(−3) + 4(𝑁 − 1)M
2
𝑁
= (−6 + 4𝑁 − 4)
2
𝑁
= (4𝑁 − 10)
2
= 2𝑁 & − 5𝑁
Now doing the sum of the red, notice how it is the name formula, but with a K rather then N:

= 2𝐾 & − 5𝐾

Now simplifying:

400 = 2𝑁 & − 5𝑁 − 2(2𝐾 & − 5𝐾)

400 = 2𝑁 & − 5𝑁 − 4𝐾 & + 10𝐾

Now using the second equation

𝑢5 = 𝑎 + 𝑑(𝑁 − 1)

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Subbing the values:

𝑢5 = −3 + 4(𝑁 − 1)
𝑢5 = 4𝑁 − 7

𝑢< = −3 + 4(𝐾 − 1)

𝑢< = 4𝑘 − 7

Now putting that into equation form

4𝑁 − 7 − 4𝐾 + 7 = 40
𝑁 − 𝐾 = 10

Now we have 2 equations

400 = 2𝑁 & − 5𝑁 − 4𝐾 & + 10𝐾

𝑁 − 𝐾 = 10

Now rearrange equation 2:

𝑁 = 10 + 𝑘

But into the longer equation

400 = 2(10 + 𝑘)& − 5(10 + 𝑘) − 4𝐾 & + 10𝐾

Expand the brackets

400 = 2𝑘 & + 40𝑘 + 200 − 50 − 5𝑘 − 4𝐾 & + 10𝐾

0 = −2𝑘 & + 45𝑘 − 250

25
𝑘 = 10,
2
K can not be a decimal, therefore
𝑘 = 10

Now sub into the linear equation

𝑁 − 10 = 10

𝑁 = 20

5.2 Geometric
55)
The sum of the geometric series is 2187 means that 𝑠3 = 2187

𝑎
= 2187
1−𝑟

𝑎 = 2187(1 − 𝑟)

𝑎 + 2187𝑟 = 2187

We have been given 2 consecutive terms, using these we can work out the common ratio:

𝑢' 64 2
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 = = =
𝑢'0$ 96 3

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Subbing that into the equation

2
2187 = 𝑎 + 2187 B C
3

𝑎 = 729

Now the question says the sum from the k+1 to infinity

& $&1
k+1 term = 64 I)J =
)

So, using the sum to infinity formula with the k+1 term being the first term:

128
( 3 )
=
2
1−3

= 128

56)
i.

We have been given a formula for the first n terms, and we want to work out the value of the sum of the
first 8 terms
= 128 − 2(01

= 127.5

ii.
To work out the value the 8th term, we can do the sum of the first 7 terms, and then the sum of the first 8
terms, and subtracting them will give you the 8th term

= 127.5 − (128 − 2(0( )

= 0.5

iii.

Following the theme of the other questions, try and work out the 7th term by doing the sum of the 7 – sum
of 6:

(128 − 2(0( ) − (128 − 2(0# )

=1

Now working out the ratio

0.5 1
= =
1 2

57)

Working out the first few terms:

= 2&($)0$ + 2&(&)0$ + 2&())0$

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= 2 + 8 + 32

Working out the common ratio

8
= =4
2

So using the formula for the sum of n terms:

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
=
1−𝑟

For the constants:

A=2
R=4

2(1 − 4% )
43690 =
1−4
Rearrange

2(1 − 4% )
43690 =
−3
2(1 − 4% )
43690 =
−3

−65535 = 1 − 4%

65536 = 4%

𝑛=8

58)

We are given that the first term is 1458

We are also given that the 6th term is 6 (𝑈# = 6), therefore we use the formula:

𝑢% = 𝑎𝑟 %0$
Subbing into the equation
6 = 1458𝑟 #0$

Rearrange for r
6 = 1458𝑟 .
1
𝑟=
3

Now we want to find ∑3

%"( 𝑢%

So, we need to use the equation

𝑎
𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
1−𝑟

We know that
$ (0$
a = 1458 I J =2
)

1
𝑟=
3

2
𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
1
1−3

𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 3

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59)
𝑆' represents the sum to infinity. So we need to use the equation

𝑎
Sum to infinity =
1−𝑟

Starting with this, and subbing in the values

'0$
A = '!
$
ratio = '

Subbing this into the formula

𝑘−1
= 𝑘!
1
1−𝑘

𝑘−1
= 𝑘!
𝑘−1
𝑘
Factoring out the common factors

𝑘
=
𝑘!

1
=
(𝑘 − 1)!

So now putting this into the summation:

$--
1
! L(𝑘 − 1)(𝑘 − 2) − 1M )
(𝑘 − 1)!
'")

This looks hard so first try and find a patten:

Expanding the brackets in the summation

$--
1 1
! ( − )
(𝑘 − 3)! (𝑘 − 1)!
'")

So now writing out the terms:

1 1
−
(3 − 3)! (3 − 1)!
1 1
−
(4 − 3)! (4 − 1)!
1 1
−
(5 − 3)! (5 − 1)!

Simplifying:
1 1
−
(0)! (2)!
1 1
−
(1)! (3)!

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1 1
−
(2)! (4)!

Looking at the red, notice the cancellations

By the process of eliminations, we see that the green terms are the only one which wont be cancelled out
from here

By symmetry this implies that the last two items will also not cancel, therefore:

$--
1 1 1 1 1
! L(𝑘 − 1)(𝑘 − 2) − 1M )= + − −
(𝑘 − 1)! 0 1 98! 99!
'")

Now writing in the form of the question

10+ 1 1 1 1
= + + − −
100! 1 1 98! 99!

Simplifying because our calculators cant do this:

10+ 2(100!) (100)(99) 100

= + − −
100! 100! 100! 100!
+
10 + 2(100!) − (100)(99) − 100
=
100!

Factoring out 100

100(100 + 2(99!) − (99) − 1)
=
100!
100(2(99!))
=
100!

Putting the 100 back in

(2(100!))
=
100!

Factor out the 100!

=2

60)
Let’s start by writing out the first few terms:

(1 + 0) × 11- × 10* = 1 × 10*

(1 + 1) × 11$ × 10*0$ = 2 × 11 × 101
(2 + 1) × 11& × 10*0& = 3 × 11& × 10(
(3 + 1) × 11) × 10*0) = 4 × 11) × 10#

As we can see this it like a patten:

𝑆 = 1(11)- (10)* + 2(11)$ (10)1 … + 9(11)1 (10)$ + 10(11)* (10)-

We need to make this look like a geometric sequence, so take out a factor of (10)*

11 $ 11 1 11 *
𝑆 = 10* (1 + 2 B C … + 9 B C + 10 B C )
10 10 10
$$
This sequence has both arithmetic and geometric features, so we multiply by −
$-

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& *
11 11 11 11 11 $-
− 𝑆 = 10* (− − 2 B C … − 9 B C − 10 B C )
10 10 10 10 10

add the following together

$$ $ $$ 1 $$ * $$ $$ $$ & $$ * $$ $-
𝑆 = 10* (1 + 2 I$-J … + 9 I$-J + 10 I$-J ) and − $- 𝑆 = 10* (− $- − 2 I$-J … − 9 I$-J − 10 I$-J )

This gives

11 11 11 & 11 * 11 $-
(1 − )𝑆 = 10* H1 + + B C … + B C − 10 B C K
10 10 10 10 10

We need to use the equation

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
𝑠% =
1−𝑟
𝑎=1
$$
𝑟 = $-
𝑛 = 10
11 $-
1 I10J − 1 11 $-
− 𝑆 = 10* × + 10* (−10 × B C )
10 11 10
10 − 1

1 11 $- 11 $-
− 𝑆 = 10$- HB C − 1K − 10$- (B C )
10 10 10

Expanding and simplifying

1
− 𝑆 = −10$-
10
1
𝑆 = 10$-
10

𝑆 = 10$$

61)

Lets start by writing out the first few terms to establish a pattern:

= (1 + 𝑛)0& + (1 + 𝑛)0) + +(1 + 𝑛)0+

This is a sum to infinity, so subbing into the formula:

𝑎
𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
1−𝑟

The constants =
a = (1 + 𝑛)0&
d = (1 + 𝑛)0$

1
27 ( )
(1 + 𝑛)&
𝑛 =
4 1
1−1+𝑛

Simplifying:

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1
27 ( )
(1 + 𝑛)&
𝑛 =
4 1+𝑛−1
( 1+𝑛 )
1
27 ( )
(1 + 𝑛)&
𝑛 = 𝑛
4 (1 + 𝑛)

Simplifying:

27 1
𝑛=
4 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)

Rearrange for a cubic

27 &
𝑛 (𝑛 + 1) = 1
4
27 ) 27 &
𝑛 + 𝑛 −1=0
4 4

1 2
𝑛 = ,−
3 3
&
But n can not be− )

1
𝑛=
3

62)
This is a sum embedded into a sum, so work on each one individually

Starting with the inner sum:

Write out the first few terms:

1 1 1
= + +
2-;% 2$;% 2&;%

This is a sum of a geometric series, so we need the formula

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
1−𝑟

The constants are:

$
a = &#
$
r=&
n=n

1 1 %;$
% (1 − I J )
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 2 2
1
1−2

Now we have a second sum:

3
1 1
2! %
− &%;$
2 2
%"-

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Splitting this up into 2 sums

3 3
1 1
2! − 2 ! &%;$
2% 2
%"- %"-
Writing out some of the terms

1 1 1 1 1
= 2 B1 + + + . . . C − 2( + + … )
2 4 2 8 32

Looking at the purple first

Using:
𝑎
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
1−𝑟

1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
1
1−2
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 = 2
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 = 2 × 2 = 4

Now looking at the blue

𝑎
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
1−𝑟

1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 = 2
1
1−4
2
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
3
2 4
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 = 2 × =
3 3

So subtracting the terms

4 8
4− =
3 3

63)
This is a sum embedded into a sum, so work on each one individually

Starting with the inner sum:

Write out the first few terms:

1 1 1
= + +
3-;% 3$;% 3&;%

This is a sum of a geometric series, so we need the formula

𝑎
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
1−𝑟

The constants are:

$
a= #
)
$
r=
)
n=n

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1
3%
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
1
1−3

Now we have a second sum:

3
3 1
! ∗ %
2 3
%"-
3
3 1
! %
2 3
%"-

Using:
𝑎
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
1−𝑟
a=1
$
r=)
1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
1
1−3
3
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
2
Now
3 3 9
× =
2 2 4

64) It is given that the following series converges to the limit L.

3
𝑟
2𝑥 − 1
! j k
𝑥+2
!"$
Determine with full justification the range of possible values of L.

Start by writing out some of the terms:

2𝑥 − 1 $ 2𝑥 − 1 & 2𝑥 − 1 )
B C +B C +B C +⋯
𝑥+2 𝑥+2 𝑥+2

Using:
𝑎
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
1−𝑟
&80$
𝑎= 8;&

&80$
r= 8;&

2𝑥 − 1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 = 𝑥+2
2𝑥 − 1
1− 𝑥+2
Simplifying
2𝑥 − 1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 = 𝑥+2
(𝑥 + 2) − (2𝑥 − 1)
𝑥+2

2𝑥 − 1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 = 𝑥 + 2
3−𝑥
𝑥+2

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Simplifying

2𝑥 − 1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
3−𝑥

So now we want to find the rage of values for this:

So as we know |r|<1
Therefore:
2𝑥 − 1
<1
𝑥+2
2𝑥 − 1 < 1(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥<3

2𝑥 − 1
> −1
𝑥+2
2𝑥 − 1 > −1(𝑥 + 2)
2𝑥 − 1 > −𝑥 − 2

3𝑥 > −1

1
𝑥>−
3

From process of deduction, we can say that the range of values will be from x à infinity, as one of the
answers is 3, and the denominator is 3, so it will tend to infinity

Therefore subbing in
1
𝑥=−
3

1
2(− 3) − 1
=
1
3 − (− 3)

1
=−
2

Therefore

1
𝐿>−
2

65)

3 3 $ $
7
2 ! [log & 𝑎]! = ! [1 + 𝑏]0' and 2 ! [1 + 𝑏]0' − ! [log & 𝑎]! =
5
!"- '"$ '"$ !"-

Start by working on the LHS equation

We can see this will be a geometric series:

Using the formula:

𝑎
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
1−𝑟

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𝑎=2

𝑟 = log & 𝑎

2
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
1 − log & 𝑎

Now looking at the RHS of the same equation which is also a geometric series:

a = (1 − 𝑏)0$

r = (1 − 𝑏)0$

1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 = 1+𝑏
1
1−1+𝑏
1
= 1+𝑏
1+𝑏−1
1+𝑏

1
= 1+𝑏
𝑏
1+𝑏

1
=
𝑏

So equating the terms:

2 1
=
1 − log & 𝑎 𝑏

2𝑏 = 1 − log & 𝑎 ①

Now looking at the RHS equation

This is just the sum of a few terms, so we can write them out

For the first term:

1
=
1+𝑏

For the second term:

= 1 + log & 𝑎

Putting the terms together

$ (
$;:
− (1 − log & 𝑎) = .

simplifying
$ $&
$;:
− log & 𝑎 =
.
②

Using simultaneous equations on ① and ②

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2𝑏 = 1 − log & 𝑎 ①

$ $&
$;:
− log & 𝑎 =
.
②

Writing this in a simpler form:

2𝑏 + log & 𝑎 = 1

1 12
− log & 𝑎 =
1+𝑏 5

Using

log & 𝑎 = 1 − 2𝑏

Subbing into ②
1 12
− 1 + 2𝑏 =
1+𝑏 5

Solving for b

3 4
𝑏 = ,−
2 5

Now using:
3
log & 𝑎 = 1 − 2 B C
2
4
log & 𝑎 = 1 − 2 B− C
5

1 $)
𝑎 = ,2.
4

Therefore:
$%
$ ) +
(a,b) = I+ , &J= I2 & , − .J

66)
i.

Written out this looks like 𝑢';$ + 𝑢';& + 𝑢';) + ⋯

The (k−1)th term = 108 and the kth term = 81

(k−1)th and kth terms are 2 consecutive terms, so we can use these to work out a common ratio

𝑘 81 3
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 = = =
𝑘 − 1 108 4

kth term = 81 means 𝑢' = 81. We can use this to find 𝑎

𝑎𝑟 '0$ = 81

3 '0$
𝑎B C = 81
4

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' 0$
3 3
𝑎B C B C = 81
4 4

3 ' 81
𝑎B C =
4 3
4

This can help us find 𝑢';$

) ' 1$ ) &+)
𝑢';$ = 𝑎𝑟 ';$0$ = 𝑎 I+J = % = 81 × + =
+
'

&+)
𝑢';$ is the first term in the series hence 𝑎 =
+

)
We know 𝑟 = +

Way 1:

we want
3

! 𝑢%
%"';$

so now we need to find the sum to infinity starting at the k+1 term

Using the sum to infinity formula

𝑎
=
1−𝑟
&+)
a=
+
)
𝑟=
+

243
= 4
3
1−4

= 243

67)

This is a sum embedded into a sum, so work on each one individually

Starting with the inner sum:

Write out the first few terms:

= 2$ + 2& + 2) … 2'

This is a sum of a geometric series, so we need the formula

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
1−𝑟

The constants are:

a=2

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r=2
n=k

2(1 − 2' )
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
1−2
2(1 − 2' )
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
−1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = −2(1 − 2' )

Now we have:

! −2 + 2';$
'"$
Splitting this up into 2 sums

% % %

! −2 + 2';$ = ! −2 + ! 2';$
'"$ '"$ '"$
Looking at the blue = -2n

Using:
𝑎(1 − 𝑟 % )
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑦 =
1−𝑟
a=4
r=2
4(1 − 2% )
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑛 =
1−2
4(1 − 2% )
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
−1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = −4(1 − 2% )

Adding the two terms

= −4(1 − 2% ) − 2n

Expand and simplify

= 2%;& − 2𝑛 − 4

68)
Splitting this up into 2 terms
3 3 3
3% − 2 3% −2
! %;$
= ! %;$ + ! %;$
4 4 4
%"$ %"$ %"$

This is a sum of a geometric series, so we need the formula

𝑎
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
1−𝑟
Writing out the first few terms:
3$ 3& 3)
$;$
+ &;$ + );$
4 4 4

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The constants are:

)
a = $#
)
r=+

3
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 16
3
1−4
3
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
4

Now using the red equation:

Writing out the first few terms:

−2 −2 −2
+ +
4$;$ 4&;$ 4);$

The constants are:

$
A=-
1
$
R=
+

1
−
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 8
1
1−4
1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = −
6

Adding the terms

3 1 7
− =
4 6 12

69)

Start by looking at the LHS of the first equation

𝑎
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
1−𝑟

The constants are:

A=1
R=R

1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
1−𝑅

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Now on the RHS

The constants are:

A=1
R=r

1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
1−𝑟

Writing it in the required form:

1 1 &
=B C
1−𝑅 1−𝑟

𝑅 = 2𝑟 − 𝑟 &

Using the second equation

The constants are:
A=1
!
R = &@

1
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 𝑟
1 − 2𝑅
Simplifying:

2𝑅
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
2𝑅 − 𝑟

Notice how none of the terms in the question has a R term:

𝑅 = 2𝑟 − 𝑟 &

2(2𝑟 − 𝑟 & )
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
2(2𝑟 − 𝑟 & ) − 𝑟
4𝑟 − 2𝑟 &
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
3𝑟 − 2𝑟 &
Cancel out a r term
4 − 2𝑟
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
3 − 2𝑟

From the numerator, take out a factor of 2

2(2 − 𝑟)
𝑠𝑢𝑚 =
3 − 2𝑟

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