*This note packet is in various parts: sequences, series

(both arithmetic and geometric), Sigma Notation and growth

models. Look for section title in Blue

SEQUENCES
A sequence is a set of numbers, called terms, arranged in some particular order. An arithmetic
sequence is a sequence with the difference between two consecutive terms constant. The
difference is called the common difference.

A geometric sequence is a sequence with the ratio between two consecutive terms constant.
That is, we multiply continually by the same number to get the next term. This number is called
the common ratio.

ARITHMETIC SEQUENCES

This is the type where we go from one term to the next by a fixed number.
4,7,10,...

The General formula for the terms of a sequence is given by

an = a1 + (n – 1)d
Where a1 is the first term, d is the common difference, and n are the natural numbers (1,2,3…)
Thus, for 4,7,10… the first term is 4 and the common difference is 3.
Using an = a1 + (n – 1)d ⇒ an = 4 + (n – 1)3
This general formula will allow me to find any number in the sequence.

Example 1
Given the arithmetic sequence described by an = 4 + (n – 1)3, find:
a) The 15th term.
b) Which term number is 214.
Solution:
a) Using an = 4 + (n – 1)3 ⇒ a15 = 4 + (15 – 1)3 ⇒ a15 = 4 + (14)3 ⇒ 46
b) Using an = 4 + (n – 1)3 ⇒ we are looking for “n” which gives a value of 214. ⇒
214 = 4 + (n - 1)3 ⇒ 214 = 4 + 3n - 3 ⇒ 214 = 1 + 3n ⇒ n = 71
Therefore, the 71st term is 214.

Example 2
Given the arithmetic Sequence 2,9,16,23…
a) What are the next two terms?
b) What is the 67th term?

Solution
a) 30 and 37 (Simply add 7 each time)
b) Use the formula: an = a1 + (n – 1)d ⇒ an = 2 + (n – 1)7 ⇒
a67 = 2 + (67 – 1)7 ⇒ a67 = 464
Example 3 (More Challenging)

Insert four numbers between 3 and 33 so that all six numbers are in arithmetic sequence.

Solution
This can be done by trial and error, using the formula or even by inspection. Using formula
May be most straightforward: Assume a1 = 3 and a6 = 33

Method 1
I found it by first drawing a picture of the six terms: 3, a2 , a3 , a4, a5 , 33
From 3 to 33 is 30 units. During that interval, we added the common difference five times.
30
This means the common difference is or 6. Now we can fill in the numbers by adding:
5
3, 9, 15 , 21, 27 , 33

Method 2 an = a1 + (n – 1)d ⇒ 33 = 3 + (6 – 1)d and we are looking for “d” .

Solving: 33 = 3 + (6 – 1)d ⇒ 33 = 3 + 5d ⇒ 30 = 5d ⇒ d = 6

Our numbers are: 3,9,15,21,27, 33

EXAMPLE 4
Find the general term Un for an arithmetic sequence with third term of 8 and eighth term of - 17
Method 1
Again, a drawing is helpful of the missing and given terms:
a1 , a2 , 8 , a4, a5 , a6, a7 , -17

From 8 to -17 is -25 units (the sequence is decreasing ach time). During that interval, we
subtracted the common difference five times.
−25
This means the common difference is or -5. Now we can fill in the numbers by
5
subtracting: a1 , a2 , 8 , 3, -2 , -7 ,-12 , -17. To find the first to terms we add 5 in the other
direction: 18, 13 , 8 , 3, -2 , -7 ,-12 , -17.
Method 2
Use an = a1 + (n – 1)d for both numbers given
8 = a1 + (3 - 1) d
-17 = a1 + (8 - 1) d

8 = a1 + 2d
-17 = a1 + 7d
By subtraction we eliminate u1:
25 = -5d
So, d = - 5. We can find a1 by working backwards: a1 = 18
A general term (Formula) would be: an = 18 + (n – 1)(-5)
EXAMPLE 5
Find k given that 3k + 1, k, and -3 are consecutive terms of an arithmetics sequence.

Solution
Consecutive means one after the other. By definition, the differences between the three terms are
the same. I use this fact to make an equation:
-3 - k = k - (3k + 1) * the difference between terms is equal*
Solving: -3 - k = k - 3k - 1 ⇒ -3 - k = - 2k - 1 ⇒ k = 2
Our terms our 7, 2 and -3

Formula Types
An Explicit formula is one where we have simply expanded the general formula. It gives the same
terms for the same term numbers. Thus, for our example of an = 4 + (n – 1)3 , we have
an = 3n + 1
Which I found by expanding. Note, that if you are not asked specifically for the general formula, you
may find this explicit formula yourself which you can use for problem solving.

The general form an = 2 + ( n - 1) 7 becomes an = 7n - 5 and both describe the sequence

2,9,16, 23… for n = 1,2,3 …

A Recursive Formula is one where we use the previous term to achieve the next term.

A recursive formula designates the starting term, a1, and the nth term of the sequence, an , as an
expression containing the previous term (the term before it), an-1.

For our example 4,7,10…with general formula an = 4 + (n – 1)3:

The recursive formula is: a n+ 1 = an + 3

*The notation indicates the term we are on:

a1 = 4 a2 = a1 + 4 etc.

GEOMETRIC SEQUENCES

A geometric sequence is a sequence of numbers where each term after the first is found by
multiplying the previous one by a fixed, non-zero number called the “common ratio.”

Suppose we have a sequence of numbers where we multiply by 3 every time, beginning with 2 as
the first term: 2,6,18,54. 162… It can be thought of this way:
 2
2×3
2×3×3
2×3×3×3 Etc.

This leads to the formula to find any term in the sequence( the "n-th term" we say). If the initial
value is U1 and common ratio r , the term of the sequence is given by
Un = U1 r n-1 and n = 1,2,3...
EXAMPLE 1
For 2,6, 18,54...
a What is the common ratio?
b What is U1?
c What is the Formula for any term?
d What would be the 13th number in this sequence?

Solution
a Find r by dividing any term by the term before it: 6÷ 2 = 3 or 18÷ 6 = 3 etc.
b2
c Use Un = U1 r n-1 ⇒Un = 2 (3) n-1 * notice how the 2 is not part of exponent.
n-1
d sing Un = 2 (3) ⇒Un = 2 (3) 13-1 ⇒Un = 2 (3) 12 ⇒U13 = 1,062,882

EXAMPLE 2

Given

a What is the common ratio?

b What is U1?
c What is the Formula for any term?
d What would be the 13th number in this sequence?

Solution
1
a) ⅓ b) 1 c)Use Un = U1 r n-1 ⇒Un = 1 ( 3 ) n -1

1 1 1
d) Un = 1 ( 3 ) 13 -1
⇒ Un = 1 ( 3 ) 12
⇒ 531441

EXAMPLE 3

The third term of a geometric sequence is - 108. The sixth term is 32. Find:
a The common ratio. b The first term.

Solution
Method 1
a I found ratio by first drawing a picture of the six terms: a1 , a2 , -108 , a4, a5 , 32
From -108 to 32 I multiplied 3 times by a number. This means -108 • r • r • r = 32. We can write
 32 8
this as -108 r3 = 32. Divide both sides by -108 ⇒ r3 = ⇒ r3 = . This means that
−108 − 27
8 2
some number times itself three times = -
27
. This is -
3
(the common ratio).
b Work backwards from -108 or draw first: a1 , a2 , -108 … this means a1 • r • r = -108 ⇒
2 4
a1 • r2 = -108 ⇒ a1 • (-
3
)2 = -108 ⇒ a1 •
9
= -108 ⇒ a1 = 243
Method 2
a Use Un = U1 r n-1 ⇒ -108 = U1 r 2 and 32 = U1 r 5 ⇒
We can divide one equation by the other to eliminate U1 (top to bottom):
-108 = U1 r 2
32 = U1 r 5 *-108 ÷32 = -3.375 and r2 ÷ r5. = r-3

-3.375 = r-3 ⇒ r3 = - 1/3/375 r=- ⅔

EXAMPLE 4
Show that if x = 8 then three consecutive terms of a geometric sequence are 2x, x + 4 and 2x -7.

Solution

Substitute x with 8: 2(8), (8) + 4 and 2(8) -7 ⇒ 16, 12, 9 …

12 ÷16 = ¾ and 9 ÷12 = ¾ ⇒ Sequence is geometric.

SERIES
A series is the sum of the terms of a sequence. There are other types of series, but you will only
work with this (and a geometric ) type.

Arithmetic Series
A series is when you add successive terms of a sequence. For example, you have the sequence
1,4,7,10,13…
So, the first Sum is 1
The second sum is 5 (1 + 4).
The third sum is 12 (1 + 4 + 7). Etc. You may see the following notation:
S1 = 1 S2 = 5 S3 = 12.

The idea of a series is useful because we may want to add up sums very quickly. For example:
You are going to get in shape and so you will run 4 km. on the first day and then add 0.1 km to
your total each day.
What would be your total amount of Kilometers run after 100 days?

The answer is 895. How can this be found easily? After all, we are answering the question
what is the sum of: 4 + 4.1 + 4.2 + 4.3… up to 100 terms and we do not know the last term.

𝑛
A convenient formula has been developed: Sn = (2u1, + (n -1)d) where
2
n is the number of terms you want to include; u1 is the first term in the sequence; and d is the
100
common difference. S100 = (8, + (100 -1) .1) = 895.
2
*You do not need to memorize this*

For our opening example we had 1,4,7,10,13… What would be the sum of the first 200 terms of
this sequence?
𝑛 200
Using Sn = (2u1, + (n -1)d) → S200 = (2(1), + (200 -1) 3 ) → S200 = 59,900.
2 2

Another interesting formula for an arithmetic series occurs when we know the first and last
term and how many terms are involved.

Example 1
What is the sum of the first 100 natural numbers (that is: 1 + 2 + 3 + ...+ 98 + 99 + 100)?

Solution
You can try to do it on your calculator but that takes too long and is too challenging.

Use the following idea where you add the first and last terms, the second and penultimate terms,
etc:

All such sums = 101. There are 50 of these pairs so the sum must be 50 x 101 or 5050.

This leads us to the general formula of: The arithmetic series is given by the formula
𝑛
Sn = (u + un)
2 1,

Sn is the sum, U1 is the first term and Un is the last given term.

100
Verifying: S100 = (1, + 100) = 5050 √
2
*Which of the two formulas we use depends on the information given to us.

EXAMPLE 2 What is the sum of the first 10 terms of the sequences 2,6,10…

𝑛
Solution: Only given U1 (and see that d = 4) I choose the formula Sn = (2u1, + (n -1)d)
2
 10
.Using our numbers: S10 = (2 (2), + (10 -1) 4) *notice how n = 10*.
2

S10 = 5 (4, + (9) 4) ⇒ 195

EXAMPLE 3 What is the twenty sum of the terms of the sequences 2 + …+ 198

Solution Because we were given the first and last term, and not given the common difference we
can use the second formula

𝑛 20
Sn = 2 (u1, + un) ⇒ S20 = 2
(2, + 198) ⇒ 2000

EXAMPLE 4

Find the sum of 1 + 5 + 9 + ... + 49 + 53

Solution
We have the first and last terms but notice that we don’t know how many terms we need.
𝑛
This suggest we need to use Sn = 2
(u1, + un) We can find Un by using our previous formula
Un = U1 + (n - 1)d since we know Un,U1 and d.

53 = 1 + ( n - 1) 4 ⇒ 53 = 1 + 4n - 4 ⇒ 56 = 4n ⇒ n = 14.
There are 14 terms in this sequence.
𝑛 14
Returning to Sn = 2
(u1, + un) ⇒ S20 = 2
(1, +53) ⇒ 378

Example 5
Solve the equation 1 + 4 + 7+⋯+ x = 925
Solution
We know the first term, the sum and the common difference. We want to know the last term. This
𝑛 𝑛
suggests we can use Sn = Sn = 2 (u1, + un) Sn = (2u1, + (n -1)d) We are looking for Un
2
which is x.
We do not know “n” either so we will have to use a former formula.
𝑥+2
We know that Un = U1 + (n - 1)d ⇒ x = 1 + (n - 1) 3 ⇒ x = 3n - 2 ⇒ 3
=n

𝑛 𝑥+ 2 𝑥+2
Sn = (2u1, + (n -1)d) ⇒ 925 = (2(1), + ( - 1)3) ⇒
2 6 3
𝑥+ 2 𝑥+ 2
925 = 6
(2, + (𝑥 + 2) - 3) ⇒ 925 = 6
(x + 1 ) ⇒
(*Multiplying through by 6 ) 5550 =(x +1) (x+ 2) ⇒ x2 + 3x - 5548 = 0
x = 73

Geometric Series
Like Arithmetic series, this is the sum of the terms of a sequence. A Geometric series is when
you add successive terms of the sequence. For example, you have the sequence: 2,6,18,54,162
...
So, the first Sum is 2.
The second sum is 8 (2 + 6).
The third sum is 26 (2 + 6 + 18). Etc. You may see the following notation:
S1 = 2 S2 = 8 S3 = 18.

The formula to do this easily has a long history so we will skip it. Here it is:
𝑛 𝑛
𝑢 1
(𝑟 − 1) 𝑢 1
(1−𝑟 )
Sn = or Sn =
𝑟−1 1−𝑟
Example 1
What is the sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric sequence 2,6,18,54,162…
Solution
𝑛
𝑢 1
(𝑟 − 1) 2(3 − 1)
10
The common ratio is 3. Using Sn = we have: S10 = ⇒
𝑟−1 3−1
10
2(3 − 1)
S10 = ⇒ S10 = 310 -1 = 59, 048
2

Example 2
What is the sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric sequence 100,50,25,12.5,6.25 …
Solution
1
Here, the common ratio is
2
. It is true that we are dividing by 2 every time but for this topic, the
𝑛
𝑢 1
(1−𝑟 )
common ratio is expressed in terms of multiplying. Using the second formula Sn =
1−𝑟
1 10 1
100 ( 1 − ) 100 ( 1 − ) 1
S10 =
1 − 1/2
2
⇒ S10 = 1/2
1024
⇒ S10 = 100 (1 - 1024
) •2 = 199.8

Example 3
What is the eleventh term of the geometric sequence 3,6,12,24…?
Solution
Use Un = U1 r n -1 → U11 = 3(2) 11 -1 → U11 = 3 • (2) 10 → U11 = 3 • 1024 → U11 = 3072

Example 4
The first term of a geometric sequence is 5 and the sixth term is 160. What is the common ratio?
Solution
 Use Un = U1 r n -1 → If U1 = 5 and U6 = 160, this means U6 = 5• r 5 → 160 = 5• r 5 →
(divide both sides by 5) 32 = r5 → r = 2

Example 5
Add up the terms up the following sequence
1 1 1 1
,- , , - ,...
3 9 27 81

Solution
1 1
𝑢 3
r = -⅓ and U1 = ⅓ → S∞= 1−𝑟
1
→ S∞= 3
1 → S∞= 3
4 → S∞= 4
1 − (− 3
) 3

Example 6

How many terms of the geometric sequence 2,8,32,128 …are required in order to have a sum of
174,762?

Solution
𝑛
𝑢 1( ( 𝑟 − 1)
Use Sn = , r = 4 and U1 = 1 →We know Sn = 174,76 - we are looking for n:
𝑟−1
𝑛 𝑛
2( 4 −1 ) 2(4 −1 ) 3(174,762)
174,762 = 4− 1
→ 174,762 = 3
→ 2
= 4n - 1 →
262143= 4n - 1 →262,144 = 4n → n = 9 (there are nine terms)

SUMMARY (sequences & Series)

Formulas used in this topic

Special Arithmetic vocabulary and forms for arithmetic Sequences

If an = a1 + (n - 1)d we call this the Implicit form
If an = dn –(u1 - d) we call this the Explicit form
If an = an -1 + d we call this the Recursive form
TESTING TYPE QUESTIONS (sequences & Series)
1 Given the arithmetic sequence 2, 5, 8,11…
a) Find the 101st term in the sequence.
b) Find the term number of the term which has value of 152

2 In an arithmetic sequence, the first term is 5 and the fourth term is 40, find the second term.

3 In an arithmetic sequence , the ninth term is 18 and the sum of the first nine terms is 72.
Find the first term and the common difference.

4 Let Sn be the sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic sequence, whose first three terms are u1,
u2, and u3. It is known that S1 = 7 and S2 = 18.
a Write down u1 . b Calculate the common difference of the sequence.
c Calculate u4 .

5 Consider this sequence of figures:

Figure 1 contains three line segments. Figure two contains 5 line segments. Figure 3 contains 7
line segments.
a find the number of line segments in figure 7.
b Given that figure n contains 251 line segments, show that n = 125.
c Find the total number of line segments in the first 100 figures.

6 Denise organizes a party for her work colleagues. The cost to rent a local hall is $430 for the
evening. She then has to budget for food., which will cost approximately $14.50 per person.
a) Write down a formula connecting the total cost of the evening ,C, with the number of
people attending.
b) Find the total cost for the evening of 25 people attending.
c) Given that Deinis has a maximum budget of $1000, find the greatest number of people
she is able to invite.
d) In the end, only 16 people will attend. Calculate how much each person should be
charged so that Denise covers her costs.
7 The dose D, (in milligrams, mg) of a certain medicine for a child of mass m (kg) is determined
by the equation D = am + b, where a and b are constants.
For a child of mass 20 kg. The correct doe is 115 mg. And for a child of mass 25 kg the correct
dose is 137. 5 mg.
a) Determine the value of a and the value of b.
b) Find the correct doe that should be given to a child with mass 23 kg.
c) Suggest reasons why the equation may not be appropriate for determining the dosage
required for an adult with mass 100 kg.

Answers to questions

2 Using an = a1 + (n - 1)d ⇒ 40 = 5 + (4 - 1)d ⇒ d = 35/3

a2 = 5 + 35/3 ⇒ 50/3

9
3 If u9 = 18, 18 = u1 + 8d If S9 = 72, 72 = 2
(2u1, + (8)d)

Using system of equations: 18 = u1 + 8d ⇒ 18 = u1 + 8d

9
72 = 2
(2u1, + (8)d) ⇒ 144 = 18u1 + 72d

Multiplying top equation by 9 we have 162 = 9u1 + 72d ⇒ u1 = -2 and d = 5/2

144 = 18u1 + 72d
4 a) u1 = 7
b) d = 4 (u1, = 7 and u2=11)
c) u4 = u1 + (n -1)d ⇒ u4 = 7 + (4 - 1)4 ⇒ = 19

5 a) 15 b) 251 = 3 + 2(n - 1) → 248 = 2(n - 1) → n = 125.

6 a) C = 430 + 14P b) C = 430 + 14.5 ×25 which is $792.50
1000 − 430
c) 1000 = 430 + 14.5P → P = 14.5
= 39.3
She can therefore invite a maximum of 39 people.
d) C = 430 + 14.5 ×16 = $662
662
16
= 41.375
Denise will therefore need to charge a minimum of $41 38 per person.

7 a) 115 = 20a + b; 137.5 = 25a + b

System of Equations: a = 4.5 b = 25
b) 4.5 × 23 + 25 = 128.5 mg.
c) The relationship may not longer be linear outside the range of children’s weights/
Using the relationship involves extrapolation to adults’ weights, which is not mathematically
sound.

SIGMA NOTATION and GROWTH MODELS

INTRODUCTION
In general, topics on growth (And thus, growth "models") are more clear when presented with
the graphs that go with them. Another important idea is how we can interchange notation
systems and observe how in fact, they are discussing the same idea.
This topic is about how we use our sequence and series ideas for models and also, how we can
use graphs to visualize a sequence. We follow formulas and there are several we can use and
they are related in some way. Still, it is best to learn which situation asks for which formula.

SIGMA NOTATION
This is often used in science classes as well and is useful to know. It shows an expression to
evaluate and which values to substitute into the expression to get the numbers of the term.
For Example

This means to put 1,2,3,4 and 5 (one at a time) into the expression 5n - 2 and then add the five
numbers:
5(1) - 2 =3 5(2) - 2 = 8 5(3) - 2 = 13 5(4) - 2 = 18 5(5) - 2 = 23
5
Now add 3 + 8 + 13 + 18 + 23 ⇒ 65 So, ∑ 5𝑛 − 2 = 65
1

● 3,8,13,18… is also generated by the formula Un = 3 + (n - 1)5 and notice how

3 + (n - 1)5 simplifies to 5n - 2 - which is the expression in our Sigma notation.
Generally:

*Be sure to pay attention to

which numbers are used i.e.
the counting does not always
begin with n = 1. For Example:
7
∑ 2𝑛 − 3 ⇒ 5 + 7
4
+ 9 + 11 ⇒ 32

Example

The sum of the first 10 terms of the sequence 2,6,10,14… is 200. This is because we use:

𝑛 10
Sn = 2
(2u1 + (n-1)d ) → S10 = 2
(2(2) + (10-1)4) ) = 200.

However, you may be given the same question in Sigma notation:

8
What is ∑ 3n + 1 ?
2
Solution

( 4(1) - 2) + (4(2) - 2) + (4(3) - 2) +... 4(10) - 2

2 +6 + 10 + … 38

10
* notice at this point, it helps if we use series formulas: S10 = ( 2 + 38) = 200
2
Example

𝑘
If ∑ 2n + 5 = 216 , then what is k?
1

Solution
𝑘
d = 2 and u1 = 7 → Sk: 216 = ( 2(7) + (k - 1) 2 ) → 432 = k ( 14 + 2k - 2) →
2
432 = k(12 + 2k) → 2k2 + 12k - 432 = 0 { Use calculator solver}: k = -18 or 12
k = 12 (-18 is extraneous)

Geometric example
 5
Find ∑ (2) k
𝑘=1
Solution
5
∑ (2) k → 21 + 22 + 23 + 24 + 25 → 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 = 62
𝑘=1
𝑛
𝑢 1
(𝑟 −1) 5
2 (2 − 1)
{ Notice that r = 2. If we used a series formula: Sn = 𝑟−1
→ 2−1
= 62

Example

Given the geometric series 3, 6, 12, 24…

a What is S8 ?

b Write this in Sigma notation

Solution

8
6 (2 −1)
a S8 = 2−1
= 1580

8
b ∑ 3 (2) k
𝑘=1

* Geometric sequences can be written as a , ar, ar2 , ar3 etc.

Thus, in the Sigma notation, it is necessary to identify r by inspection.

APPLYING SEQUENCES AND SERIES

The important thing is to read these carefully. Some students prefer to use the formulas from the
formula book while others will simply visualize it their own way. Either way, it is important that
you are confident in your method.

As an example, look at the following:

A ball when dropped will return to 80% of it's previous height. suppose it is dropped from a
height of 1 m.
a) Find the number of rebounds it takes until ball bounces 20 cm.
b) How far does the ball travel (vertically) before coming to rest?

Solution
This is geometric because the progression is using 80% of a previous term. Thus, r = 0.8 or ⅘.
 a) We want to know which term the ball has a bounce of 20 cm. That is, n ≥ 0.2
(20 cm = 0.2 m)

𝑙𝑜𝑔0.2
We use un = u1 rn - 1 ⇒ 0.2 = 1 (0.8) n - 1 ⇒ n-1= 𝑙𝑜𝑔0.8
≈ 7. 21
Therefore, seven rebounds.
𝑈
b) Since r < 1 we can say this is an infinite series. We can use S∞ = 1−𝑟
1
.

In Population we can apply the idea of a series.

For example, what is the population after in 2005 of a city which has a growth rate of 5%
(Annually) and whose population is 10,000 people in 1999?

Solution:
10,000 ( 1.05)6 ≈ 14,185.19
Notice here that r = 1.05 . Also, if you want to use our sequence formula Un = U1 · rn -1
Realize that the first term is 10,000 already, so we do not use n- 1 = 5 (that is , 6 -1).

*Its a small point but worth noting.

In Financial math we can apply the idea of a series. You have already seen the modelling of a
𝑟
geometric sequences applied to compound interest. An = A0 (1 ± 𝑛 )n t
where A0 is the initial amount, An is the amount after the growth, r is the rate expressed as a
decimal, n is the number of times we compound in one year and t is the number of years.

A problem we had was: “How much would $10,000 be worth after five years, compounding
monthly at a rate of 3%?”
0.03 (12)(5) ≈
The solution is: A5 = 10,000 (1 ± 12
) $11616.16

However, we can take this idea further (And more realistically) when you consider that we often
add a fixed amount each month (or year). So, not only is the initial amount gaining interest, so is
the increasing amount each month.

Fortunately, these types of problems become a geometric series (you do not need to know the
proof but here it is: (geometric series in finance).

EXAMPLE:
If you invest $10 at the beginning of each month for 10 years, compounded annually at 6% ,
how much will you have at the end of the 10 years?​

Solution
 𝑛
𝑈 1(𝑟 − 1) 10
10 (1.06 − 1)
Using : Sn = 𝑟−1
, r = 0.6 and U1 = 10 ⇒ S10 = 1.06 − 1
≈131.80

An important idea to remember is that if we compound in a way other than yearly we must find
r/n before we use the formula. As an example:

If you invest $10 at the beginning of each month for 10 years, compounded monthly at 6% , how
much will you have at the end of the 10 years?​

Solution
0.06
Monthly would mean 120 times over ten years( 12 x 10). The rate is adjusted as follows : 12
=
0,005.
𝑛
𝑈 1(𝑟 − 1) 10 (1.005
120
− 1)
Using Sn = 𝑟−1
, r = 0.005, U1 = 10 and t as 120 ⇒ S10 = 1.005 − 1
≈1638.79

Un = U1 · rn -1 where r is the common ration and U1 is the first term.

𝑛 𝑛
𝑈 1(𝑟 − 1) 𝑈 1(1 − 𝑟 )
To find a sum of n terms we use: Sn = 𝑟−1
You also can use Sn = 1−𝑟
.

The formulas you use (As it appears in your formula book)

GRAPHING MODELS of GROWTH

Arithmetic
Example 1

A woman decides to go for a 10 - minute run every day this week and plans to increase the time
of her daily run by 4 each week.
a Write a formula for the time of her run after weeks.

b How long will her daily run be 8 weeks from today?

c Using a graph, plot the first five weeks of her plan

Solution
a T = 10 + 4(n -1), where T = time per run and n = week number.
b 38 min [ Use T = 10 + 4(8 -1) ]
c * notice units for dependent variable

PAST IB PAPER QUESTIONS

1

2
Given the arithmetic sequence 2, 5, 8,11…
a) Find the 101st term in the sequence.
b) Find the term number of the term which has value of 152

3
In an arithmetic progression, the ninth term is 18 and the sum of the first nine terms is 72.
Find the first term and the common difference.

4 Let Sn be the sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic sequence, whose first three terms are u1,
 u2, and u3. It is known that S1 = 7 and S2 = 18.

8
Suppose 2015 people of different height are arranged in a straight line from shortest to tallest
such that the tops of their heads are collinear and, for any two consecutive people, the horizontal
distance between them is equal to the height of the shorter of the two people. If the shortest
person is 49 inches and tallest is 81 inches than how tall is the person in the middles of the line.
Answers to Past test questions
1

9
3 If u9 = 18, 18 = u1 + 8d If S9 = 72, 72 = 2
(2u1, + (8)d)

Using system of equations: 18 = u1 + 8d ⇒ 18 = u1 + 8d

9
72 = 2
(2u1, + (8)d) ⇒ 144 = 18u1 + 72d

Multiplying top equation by 9 we have 162 = 9u1 + 72d ⇒ u1 = -2 and d = 5/2

144 = 18u1 + 72d

4
a) u1 = 7
b) d = 4 (u1, = 7 and u2=11)
c) u4 = u1 + (n -1)d ⇒ u4 = 7 + (4 -1)4 ⇒ = 19
5

7
U1 = a u2 = 1 u3 = b.
a1 = b a2 = a and a3 = 8/3

d: 1 - a = b -1 ⇒ a + b = 2
8 𝑎
r: a/b =8/3 / a ⇒ 3𝑎
= 𝑏
8b =3a2

Combining a + b = 2 and 8b =3a2 ⇒ a +⅜ a2 = 2 ⇒

 −8± 64−4(1)(−2) −8± 72
a2 + 8a - 2= 0 ⇒ a = 2
⇒𝑎 = 2
=− 4 ± 3 2 a = 0.243 or-8.24

8 It necessary to see the image below (Shown for two people next to each other,not drawn to
scale). “Collinear “ means in a straight line. If the shorter person has height d then we the image
shows two consecutive people:

The vertical distance between the shortest and tallest person it is 32 in. (81 - 49).

If there are 2015 people than the total horizontal distance between the shortest and tallest person
is 2015d (we can assume this because we have a straight line for the tops of the heads).

The horizontal distances between people are in an arithmetic sequence and the person in the
middle is number 1008 (2015 ÷ 2 = 1007 rem. 1) . Thus, their distance from the left would be
u 1008 = 0 + 1008(d) (the first person begins this sequence so they are no distance from
32
themselves, hence u1= 0. This person’s height is on the collinear line with slope = 2105𝑑
. If we
think of the tops of heads as coordinate points. With the origin at the feet of the shortest person
then the first person is located at (0, 39) and the tallest person is located at (2015d, 81).
The person in the middle is located at (1008d, h) where h is the height we want to find.
If we use slope formula then
ℎ−39 81 −ℎ ℎ−39 81 −ℎ
1008𝑑 − 0
= 2014𝑑 − 1008𝑑
⇒ 1008𝑑 = 1008𝑑
⇒ 1008d( h - 39) = 1008d (81 - h) ⇒
( h - 39) = (81 - h) (Since d is constant, we can divide it from both sides)⇒ 2h = 120 ⇒
H = 60. The person in the middle must have a height of 60 inches.

* EXTRA: Where do the sequence and series formulas come from?