SERIES:

Under this topic, we are to study;

a) Arithmetic progressions (A. Ps)
b) Geometric progressions (G. Ps)
c) Proof by induction
d) Sums of series
Sequence: A sequence is an arrangement of numbers with respect to a certain
pattern. That is to say;
i. 1 , 2, 3 , 4 ,5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , …
ii. 2 , 6 ,18 ,54 ,162 , …
1 1 1
iii. 1, , , ,…
2 4 8

Among others are said to be sequences. The above sequences can all become
series when they are summed up as illustrated below;
i. 1+2+3+ 4+5+ 6+7+8+ …
ii. 2+6+18+ 54+162+…
1 1 1
iii. 1+ + + +…
2 4 8

The above one or two are likely to be arithmetic series or geometric series as we
are yet to learn how to distinguish between the two.
a) ARITHMETIC PROGRESSIONS (A. Ps)

A series is said to be an A.P when its terms are generated by adding a certain
constant called a common difference(d )
Examples of A.Ps are;
a) 2+ ( 2+m ) + ( 2+2 m )+ ( 2+3 m )+ … in this series; d=m
b) 5+8+ 11+14+ … in this series; d=3
1 3 1
c) 2 +1+ 2 + 2+ … in this series ; d= 2
d) 4 +3+2+1+0−1−2+ … in this series; d=−1
Generally, the first term of any A.P is denoted by a ; and any arithmetic series
progresses as subsequent/next terms are obtained by adding the common difference
( d ) onto previous term or the term before. That is to say;

A . P⇒ a+ ( a+ d ) + ( a+2 d ) + ( a+3 d ) + ( a+ 4 d ) +…+ [ a+ ( n−1 ) d ] .

st nd rd th th th
position1 2 3 4 5 n

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the above case study of the general arithmetic progression helps us to deduce the nth
term of an A.P i.e; nth term=a+ ( n−1 ) d this expression provides any term of our
choice in the general A.P as long as we known the value of n or its position to
mention.
Sum of n−terms of an A.P ( Sn )
n
This sum is given by Sn= 2 [ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ]

Proof:
Sn=a+ ( a+ d ) + ( a+2 d ) +…+ [ a+ ( n−1 ) d ] ..(1)

Sn=a+ ( n−1 ) d+ a+ ( n−2 ) d+ a+ ( n−3 ) d +…+ a ..(2)

N:B; Equation 2 is written down in the reverse process up to the first term.
Now; adding the two equations gives;
2 S n=2 a+ ( n−1 ) d +2 a+ ( n−1 ) d +2 a+ ( n−1 ) d+ …+2 a+ ( n−1 ) d
⏟
n−terms

2 S n=n × [ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ] thus;

n
∴ S n=
2
[2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ]

Example1:
Given that 1+3+5+ … is an A.P, find;
i) the nth term iv) the 8th term
ii) the 50thterm v) the 100th term.
iii) the 20th term
Solutions:
th
i) n term ; T n =a+ ( n−1 ) d ; a=1 , d=2

T n=( 1 ) + ( n−1 ) 2

T n=1+2 n−2

∴ T n=2 n−1

ii) th
50 term ;
¿ ; T n=2 n−1;
T 50=2 (50 )−1
T 50=100−1
∴ T 50=99

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 iii) 20 term
th

⇒ T 20=2 ( 20 )−1
T 20=40−1
∴ T 20=39
iv) 8th term
⇒ T 8=2 ( 8 ) −1
T 8=16−1
∴ T 8=15
v) 100 term
th

⇒ T 100 =2 (100 )−1

¿ 200−1
∴ T 100 =199

Practice question: Write down the terms indicated in each of the following A.Ps
a) 3+11+ … ; 10th , 19th terms
b) −2+5+12+… ; 200 th , ( n+1 )th terms
c) 7+ 0−7−14+ … ;11th term
3 5 th th th th
d) 2 +2+ 2 +… ; ( n ) , ( n−1 ) , ( n−2 ) , ( 2 n−1 ) terms

Example 2:
Find the number of terms in the following A.Ps
a) 2+ 4+6+ …+46.
d=6−4 ⇒ d=2 , a=2
th
n term=a+ ( n−1 ) d
46=2+ ( n−1 ) 2
46=2 n ∴ n=23 .
⇒ A . P has 23 terms .
b) a+ ( a+d ) + …+l. ; l=a+ ( n−1 ) d
⇒ the A . P has n−terms .
c) 7+11+…+ 43.
a=7 , d=4
From; nth term=a+ ( n−1 ) d
43=7+ ( n−1 ) 4
⇒ 4 n=40
∴ n=10
⇒ this A . P has 10 terms .

Example 3:

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 The second term of an A.P is 15 and the fifth term is 21. Find the common
difference and the first term
From: T n=a+ ( n−1 ) d ; T 2=15 and T 5=21
15=a+ ( 2−1 ) d ⇒ a +d=15 … … … … … ( 1 )
21=a+ ( 5−1 ) d ⇒ a+ 4 d=21 … … … … .. ( 2 )
eqn ( 2 ) −eqn ( 1 ) :3 d=6 ∴ d=2
using ; eqn ( 1 ) : a+2=15 ∴ a=13
∴ common difference=2∧the first term=13

Example 4:
The eighth term of an A.P is twice the third term. Given that the sixth term is 16.
Find the first term and the common difference hence state;
i) the nth term of the series
ii) the 40 thterm
iii) the difference between the 50thterm and the 15th term.
eighth term=a+7 d … … … … … … … … … … . ( 1 )

third term=a+ 2d … … … … … … … … … … . ( 2 )

sixth term=a+5 d ; ⇒ a+5 d =16 … … ( 3 )

⇒ a+7 d=2 × ( a+2 d )

a+ 7 d=2 a+ 4 d
−a+ 3 d=0 ; ⇒a=3 d … … … … … … … ( 4 )

Solving ( 3 ) ∧( 4 ) simultaneously:3 d +5 d=16

8 d=16
∴ d=2

thus from ( 1 ) :a=3 d

a=3 ( 2 )

∴ a=6

Hence;
i) nth term=a+ ( n−1 ) d
¿ 6+ ( n−1 ) 2

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 ¿ 6+2 n−2
∴ T n=2 n+4

ii) 40 thterm
T 40=2 ( 40 ) + 4 ⇒ T 40=84

iii) T 50=2 (50 )+ 4 ⇒ T 50=104

T 15=2 (15 )+ 4 ⇒ T 15=34

Difference required; T 50−T 15=104−34

¿ 70

Example 5:
Given that 2+5+8+ … is an A.P ,
a) Find an expression of the;
i) Sum of the first n−terms
ii) Sum of ( n−1 ) terms ; hence deduce the nth term expression of this series
b) Find the value of ( S50−S 30)
c) Find the sum of the first;
i) 8−terms
ii) 20−terms

a) a=2 , d=3
n
i) Sn= 2 [ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ]
n
¿
2
[ 2 ( 2 ) + ( n−1 ) 3 ]
1
∴ S n= n ( 3 n+1 )
2
1
ii) From: Sn= 2 n ( 3 n+ 1 )
1
Sn−1= ( n−1 ) [ 3 ( n−1 ) +1 ]
2
1
¿ ( n−1 )( 3 n−2 )
2
1
∴ S n−1= ( n−1 )( 3 n−2 )
2
th
hence :n term=Sn −S n−1
1 1
¿ n ( 3 n+1 )− ( n−1 ) ( 3 n−2 )
2 2

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 1
2
[ ( 3 n2 +n )−( 3 n2 −5 n+2 ) ]
¿
1
¿ ( 6 n−2 )
2
th
∴ n term=3 n−1
b) S50−S30
1
¿ : Sn= n ( 3 n+ 1 )
2
1
⇒ S50= ( 50 ) [ ( 3 ×50 )+1 ]
2
¿ 25 ( 151 )

∴ S 50=3775

1
And ⇒ S30= 2 ( 30 ) [ ( 3 ×30 )+ 1 ]

¿ 15 ( 91 )

∴ S 30=1365

⇒ S50−S 30=3775−1365

¿ 2410

1
c) From: Sn= 2 n ( 3 n+ 1 )
1
i) S8 = ( 8 ) [ (3 × 8 ) +1 ]
2
¿ 4 ( 25 )
¿ 100

ii) From: Sn= 2 [ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ] , a=2 , d=3 , n=20

n

20
S20=
2
[ 2 ( 2 ) + ( 20−1 ) 3 ]

¿ 10 ( 61 )

¿ 610

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Example 6:
Three consecutive terms of an A.P have a sum of 24 and a product of 440. Find the
terms and determine the difference in the sum of the first 10 terms of the two A.Ps.
a+ ( a+d ) + ( a+2 d )+ ( a+3 d ) +…

∑ of the first three terms=24

3 a+3 d =24

⇒ a+d=8 … … . ( 1 )

product of the first three terms=440

a ( a+d ) ( a+2 d )=440

a ( 8 ) [ ( a +d ) +d ] =440

8 a ( 8+ d )=440⇒ a ( 8+d ) =55 … … ( 2 )

Solving ( 1 )∧ (2 ) simultaneously; from( 1 ) ; a=8−d

( 2 ) becomes : ( 8−d ) ( 8+d )=55
2 2
8 −d =55
2
⇒ d =9
∴ d=3∨−3

but : a=8−d ⇒a=5∨11

st
1 A . P⇒ 5+8+11+ …
n
From; Sn= 2 [ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ]

10
S10=
2
[ 2 ( 5 ) + ( 10−1 ) 3 ]

¿ 5 ( 37 )

¿ 185
nd
2 A . P ⇒ 11+8+5+ …
n
From; Sn= 2 [ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ]

10
S10=
2
[ 2 ( 11) + ( 10−1 ) ×−3 ]

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 ¿ 5 (−5 )

¿−25

∴ required difference=185−−25
¿ 210

ALT: A learner can arrange the general series as: ( a−d ) +a+ ( a+d )

Example 7:
1. How many terms of the A.P, 15+13+11+… are required to
i) Make a total of −36
ii) Make a sum greater than −10
i) a=15 , d=−2∧S n=−36
n
From: Sn= 2 [ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ]
n
−36=
2
[ 2 ( 15 ) + ( n−1 ) ×−2 ]
−36=n ( 15+1−n )
2
n ( 16−n )=−36 ⇒ 16 n−n =−36
Solving the quadratic: n2 −16 n−36=0
( n+2 )( n−18 )=0
∴ n=−2 ( discard )∨18
∴ number of terms required is 18.
ii) Sn >−10
n
2
[ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ] >−10
n ( 15−n+1 ) >−10
2
−n +16 n>−10
2
n −16 n<10
( n−8 )2 <74
n−8<± 8.6023
∴ n<16.6023∨n←0.6023 ( discard )
⇒ n ≈ 16 terms .

Example 8:
Given that the sum of the first q terms of an A.P is p and the sum of the first p
terms is q .
Show that the sum of the first ( p+q ) terms of the same A.P is −( p+q )

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 n
¿ : Sn =
2
[ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ]
q
Sq =
2
[ 2 a+ ( q−1 ) d ]
q
p=
2
[ 2 a+ ( q−1 ) d ] ⇒ 2 p=2 a q+ ( q2−q ) d … … .. (1 )
similarily ;
p
S p=
2
[2 a+ ( p−1 ) d ]
p
q=
2
[ 2 a+ ( p−1 ) d ] ⇒ 2 q=2 a p + ( p − p ) d … … .. ( 2 )
2

⇒Solving for a∧d ∈the equations above gives ;

2
−2 ( p+q ) q + ( p−1 ) ( p +q )
d= ∧a=
pq pq
p+ q
Now: S( p+q )= 2 [ 2 a+ [ ( p+q )−1 ] d ] gives;

S( p+q )=
p+ q
2 [(
2
q2 + ( p−1 )( p+ q )
pq )
+ [ ( p+ q )−1 ](−2 ( p+q )
pq )]
( )
2 2 2 2
q + p + pq− p−q− p −2 pq−q + p+q
S( p+q )=( p+q )
pq
¿ ( p+q ) ( )
−pq
pq
∴ S ( p +q )=−( p+q )

PRACTICE QUESTIONS:
65
1. The sum of the first five terms of an A.P is 2 . Also five times the 7th term
is the same as six terms the second term. Find the first term and the
1
common difference. ANS: a=6 , d= 4 ( )
2. a) Show that ln 2r ; r =1 ,2 , 3 … … . Is an A.P hence;
b) find the sum of the first 10 terms of the A.P .
c) determine the least value of m for which the sum of the first 2 m terms
exceeds 883.7 ANS( 38.1231 , m≈ 26 )
3. Given that the sum of n−terms of a certain series is n2 +8 n , show that the
series is an A.P
4. Find three numbers in an arithmetic progression such that their sum is 27
and their product is 504 ANS( 4 , 9 ,14 )

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Arithmetic Means:
Suppose the numbers x , y , z are in an arithmetic progression that is to say;
x + y + z+ …
x+z
Then the arithmetic mean of x and z is y ⇒ y= 2

Proof: the common difference of the series would be d ⇒ y−x =z− y

2 y=x + z

x+z
Thus; y= 2

Hence the arithmetic mean theorem;

Trial questions:
1. Find the arithmetic mean of 4 and 64
2. Insert two arithmetic means in the series; 3+8+ 13+…
3. Insert seven arithmetic means between 2 and 26.

b) GEOMETRICAL PROGRESSIONS (G. Ps)

A series is said to be geometrical when the terms are generated by multiplying the
previous by a certain constant called the common ratio( r ) to get the latter.
Generally; for any G.P ,the first term is a and common ratio is r that is to say,
2 3 4 n−1
G . P ⇒ a+ar + ar + ar +ar + …+ar
st nd rd th th th
position⇒ 1 2 3 4 5 n
∴ the nth term of a G.P is given by; nth term=ar n−1

Sum ofn−terms of any G.P( Sn )

a ( 1−r n )
This is given by ; Sn= ; |r|<1
1−r

Proof: consider the sum of n−terms of any G.P, that is to say….

2 3 4 n−1
Sn=a+ar + ar +ar +ar +…+ ar … … ….. ( 1 )
2 3 4 n−1 n
r S n=ar +ar +ar + ar +…+ ar +ar … . ( 2 )

Equation: ( 1 )− (2 ) ;
n
Sn−r S n=a−ar

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 ( 1−r ) S n=a ( 1−r n )

a ( 1−r n )
∴ S n= ;|r|<1
( 1−r )

a ( r n−1 )
⇒ S n= ;|r|>1
( r −1 )

N: B; The above are very important formulae to note in the subsection:

Examples:
1. In a certain G.P, the sum of the second and third term is 6 and the sum of the
third and fourth terms is −12 . find the first term and the common ratio ;
hence list the series.
ar + ar 2=6 … … … … . ( 1 )
2 3
ar + ar =−12 … … … ( 2 )
From:( 1 ) :ar ( 1+r )=6
From:( 2 ) :ar 2 ( 1+ r )=−12
Now:equation ( 2 ) ÷ equation ( 1 ) gives:r =−2
⇒ a (−2 )( 1−2 )=6
2 a=6 ∴ a=3
Hence the series is:3−6+12−24 +…

2. Given the G.P ; 5+20+ … find the;

a) nth term
b) 10thterm
c) Sum of first 10 terms of the G.P
d) Greatest term less than 108

a) nth term=ar n−1 ; a=5 , r=4

n−1
¿ 5 ×( 4)
2 n−2
¿ 5 ( 2)
b) From the nth term=5 ( 2 )2 n−2
th 2 ( 10 ) −2
10 term=5 ( 2 )
18
¿ 5 ×2
¿ 1,310,720
a ( r n−1 )
c) From: Sn=
r−1
5 ( ( 4 ) −1 )
10

¿
4−1
∴ S 10=1,747,625

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 d) Note: any term is the nth term
2 n−2 8
5 (2) < 10
2 n−2 7
2 <2× 10
( 2 n−2 ) log 10 2<log 10 ( 2 ×107 )
( n−1 ) 0.60206<7.30103
n−1<12.126748
n<13.1267
n ≈ 13 terms
∴The required term is 5 ( 2 )2 (13)−2 ⇒ 83,886,080
3. In a geometrical series, the first term is 2 and a common ratio is 3. Find the;
a) smallest number of terms that can give a sum greater than 2000
b) greatest number of terms that can give a sum less than 85
a ( r n−1 )
a) Sn= ; a=2 , r=3 >1
( r−1 )
2 ( 3 n−1 )
>2000
( 3−1 )
n
3 −1> 2000
n> 6.9191
∴ n ≈ 7 terms

2 ( 3 n−1 )
b) <85
( 3−1 )
n
3 −1< 85
n< 4.0545
∴ n ≈ 4 terms
4. The 3rd , 6th∧7th terms of an A.P are in a geometrical progression.
a) Find the common ratio of the G.P
b) If the 5th term of the A . P is 24 , find the 5th term of theG . P
a) A . P: a+ ( a+ d )+ ( a+2 d ) + ( a+ 3 d )+ …
G : P: ( a+2 d ) + ( a+5 d ) + ( a+6 d ) +…

a+5 d a+6 d
r⇒ =
a+2 d a+5 d
( a+ 5 d )2=( a+6 d )( a+ 2 d )
2 2 2 2
a +10 ad+25 d =a +8 ad +12 d
2
2 ad=−13 d

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 2
2 ad +13 d =0
d ( 2 a+13 d )=0
−13 d
d ≠ 0 but 2 a=−13 d ⇒ a=
2
2 a+10 d
thus r=
2a +4 d
−13 d +10 d −3 d
r= ⇒ r=
−13 d +4 d −9 d
1
∴ r=
3
b) 5 term=a+4 d
th

24=a+ 4 d
48=2 a+8 d ; 2 a=−13 d
48=−13 d +8 d
⇒ 48=−5 d ∴ d=−9.6
−13 d −13×−9.6
¿ a= ⇒
2 2
∴ a=62.4 for the A . P
For the G . P ; first term=a+ 2 d
¿ 62.4+ 2 (−9.6 )
¿ 43.2
th n−1
thus the5 term=ar

()
5−1
1
¿ ( 43.2 )
3
8
¿
15

SUM TO INFINITY
(infinite/convergent GPs)
A G.P whose common ratio is less than one is said to be a convergent one
Convergent geometrical progressions are those whose terms tend to zero as the
series progresses that is to say; not significant at ∞
Such series are said to have a sum to infinity; this sum occurs when the series
reaches a limit from ;
|r|<1
a ( 1−r n )
And : Sn= at the limit; as n→∞
( 1−r )
n
r →0

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 Sn → S ∞

a ( 1−0 ) a
Thus: S∞ = ⇒ S ∞= ;|r|< 1
( 1−r ) ( 1−r )

Examples:
1. Find the sum to infinity of the G.P;

()()
2 3
3 3 3
a) 5 + 5 + 5 + …
3 3
r = , a=
5 5
a
∴ S ∞=
( 1−r )
3
5
¿
3
1−
5
3
¿
2
∴ S ∞=1.5
4 4 4
b) 4 + 3 + 9 + 27 +…

1
r = , a=4
3
a
∴ S ∞=
( 1−r )
4
¿
1
1−
3
∴ S ∞=6
2. The first term of an A.P is equal to the first term of a G.P whose common
1
ratio is 3 and sum to infinity is 9 . if the common difference of the A . P is 2.
Find the sum of the first 10 terms of the A . P.
1
r = , S ∞=9
3
a
=9
1−r
a=9 ( 1−r )

a=9 1− ( )
1
3
∴ a=6

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 n
Sn =
2
[ 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ]
10
S10=
2
[ 2 ( 6 ) + ( 10−1 ) 2 ]
S10=5 ( 12+18 )

∴ S 10=150

3. Find the common ratio of the G.P;

2
sin 2 θ−sin 2 θ cos 2 θ+sin 2 θ cos 2 θ+…
Hence prove that its sum to infinity is tanθ
2
sin 2θ cos 2θ
r= ⇒−cos 2θ
−sin 2 θ cos 2 θ
a
S∞ =
( 1−r )
sin 2θ sin 2 θ
¿ ⇒
1−−cos 2 θ 1+cos 2θ
2sin θ cos θ
¿ 2
cos θ
sin θ
¿
cos θ
¿ tanθ :as required

4. The second and third terms of a geometrical progression are 24 and 12 ( x+1 )
respectively. Solve for x if the sum of the first three terms of the progression
is 76 .
2 3
G . P ⇒ a+ar + ar + ar +…
ar =24 … … … … ….... ( 1 )
2
ar =12 ( x +1 ) … … … . ( 2 )

a ( 1−r n )
Sn =
1−r

24 ( 1−r 3 )
76=
r (1−r )

24 ( 1−r ) ( 1+ r+ r )
2
76= ×
r ( 1−r )
19 r 2
=1+ r +r
6

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 2
19 r=6 +6 r +6 r
2
6 r −13 r + 6=0
2 3
∴ r= ,
3 2

From: 2 r=x +1
3=x+1 ∴ x=2

4 1
And: 3 =x+1 ∴ x= 3

Practice questions:
1. In a geometrical progression, the difference between the fifth and second
terms is 156 , the difference between the 7th∧4th terms is 1404 find the possible
values of the common ratio.
4 n
2. a) The sum of the first n−terms of a G.P is 3 ( 4 −1 ) , find the nth term as an
integral power of 2
3
( )
b) What is the least number of the terms of the G . P a=r= 5 whose sum is
less than the sum to infinity by not more than 10−8

Application of G. Ps
1. Recurring decimals:

Example
a. Express 0.333 as a fraction in its simplest form
0.3333 … … . …
GP implies 0.3+0.03+0.003+………
0.03
∴ a=0.3 , r= =0.1
0.3
a
Now S ∞=
1−r
0.3
¿
1−0.1
0.3 ×10
¿
0.9 ×10

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 3 1
¿ =
9 3
1
∴ 0.333333=
3

b. Express 0.5252525252 … … .. as afraction

G . P=0.52+0.0052+0.000052+ ….
a=0.52 , r=0.01
a
0.5252525252 …=S ∞=
1−r
0.52 0.52 52
¿ = =
1−0.01 0.99 99
52
Therefore 0.52525252 … …=
99

c. Express 0.631313131……as a fraction in its simplest form

Solution.
0.631313131………
G.P ¿ 0.6+ { 0.031313131 … … …..
¿ 0.6+ { 0.031+ 0.00031+0.0000031+… .
¿ 0.6+ S ∞

a
Fraction ¿ 0.6+ 1−r where a=0.031 , r=0.01

0.031
¿ 0.6+
1−0.01
0.031
¿ 0.6+
0.99
6 31 125
¿ + ⇒
10 990 198
125
∴ 0.631313131 …=
198

d. Express 0.5555555 as a single fraction

Solution
G . P=0.5+0.05+ 0.005+…

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 0.05
a=0.5 , r= =0.1
0.5
∴ 0.55555=S ∞

a
¿
1−r
0.5 5
¿ ⇒
1−0.1 9

e. Express 0.253535353… as a fraction in its simplest form.

Solution
0.253535353 …
0.2+ {0.053+ 0.00053+0.0000053+…
∴ required fractionn=0.2+ S ∞

a
¿ 0.2+ where a=0.053 ,r =0.01
1−r
0.053
¿ 0.2+
1−0.01
2 53
¿ +
10 990
251
¿
990

2. Problems on Compound interest:

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Recall the formulae;
n
r
A=p (1+ ) ∧I = A−P
100

Examples
1. Aman pays a premium of £100 at the beginning of every year to an
insurance company on the understanding that at the end of fifteen years he
can receive back the premiums which he has paid with 5% compound
interest, what should he receive? Give your answer correct to three
significant figures.
p=¿£100, n=15, r = 5%

A=A 1 + A 2 + A3 + A 4 +¿……

¿ 100 ( 1+0.05 ) +100 ( 1+0.05 ) +100 ( 1+0.05 ) +…..

1 2 3

¿ 100 ( 1.05 ) +100 ( 1.05 ) + 100 (1.05 ) +…..

1 2 3

¿ 100 ¿+….. hence result into AG.p

Where; a=1.05 r=1.05

n
a(r −1)
¿ 100
r−1

¿ 100 × [
1.05 ( 1.0515−1 )
1.05−1 ]
=100 × ( 22.6575 )

¿ 100 × ( 22.7 ) ⇒ £ 2270.

∴ At the end of 15 years he receives £ 2270.

3. A mathematical child negotiates a new pocket money deal with her

unsuspecting father in which in which she receives 1p on the first day of the
month, 2p on the second day ,4p on the third day, 8p on the fourth day, 16p
on the fifth day, …… until the end of the month. How much would the child
receive during the course of a month of 30 days? (Give your answer to the
nearest million pounds.)
1st . 2nd . 3rd . 4th . 5th . +……………+30th
1p + 2p + 4p + 8p + 16p +…………+ until the month ends
For a G.P a=1 p r =2.>1

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 n
a (r −1)
sn=100
r −1

1 p ( 230−1 )
s30=
1

1 p ( 230−1 )
¿
1
¿ 1073.741823 p
≈ 1074 million pounds

4. Mr opoka opened a bank account with stanbic bank. If he deposited

shs 200,000 every month without any withdrawal of his money and that the
bank offered a 10 % compound interest permonth, find how much money he
had mounted at the end of 10 months.(Ans: shs 3,506,233.412)

Geometric Means:
Geometric means; Given that ; a, b, c are the terms in a G.p then;
c b
r= =
b a

b =ac ⇒ b= √ a× c
2

Example 1; Find the geometric mean of 2 and 4

∴ the geometric meanof 2 , 4 is ;
¿ √ (2 x 4)

¿ 2 √2

Now the series is ⇒ 2+2 √ 2+ 4

Example 2; Insert three geometric means between 162 and 1250

162 , m1 ,1250
m1=√ ( 162 x 1250 )

¿ 450

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162+ m2 +450+ m3 +1250+ ¿……
m1=√ ( 162 x 450 )
¿ 270

m1=√ ( 450 x 1250 )

¿ 750

Therefore G.P ¿ 162+270+ 450+750+1250

∴ three geometric means are 450 , 270 ,750

Assignment;
Insert three geometric means between 4 and 64…….

c) PROOF BY INDUCTION
Proof by induction;To prove that the series is true/ holds by mathematical
induction, we follow these steps;

1. Test whether the series hold with at least two terms

2. Assumption stage; at this point we assume that proof holds / the series is true
for any constant value/position; say for n=k
3. Prove that the series holds/ is true for n=k +1 (one unit known step beyond k)
4. Perform the induction (conclusion)

Examples

1. Prove by induction that;

a)
n

∑ r= 12 n( n+1)
r=1

b)

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 n

∑ r 3= 14 n2 ( n+1 )2
r=1

c)
n

∑ r 2= 16 n (n+1)(2 n+1)
r=1

d)
n
n ( 4 n 2−1 )
∑ (2 r −1 ) = 2

3
r=1

2. Prove by mathematical induction that;

sin ( 2 n ) θ
a. cosθ +cos 3 θ+ cos 5 θ+−−∓cos ( 2n−1 ) θ=
2 sinθ
b.
n

∑ a+( r−1 ) d = 12 n [ 2a +( n−1 ) d ]

r=1

3. Prove that (cos θ +isin θ)n=cos ( nθ ) +isin ( nθ ) for all values of n .

4. Prove by induction that ;
n
(3¿ ¿ n−1)
∑ 3 r−1= 2
¿;where n is a whole number
r=1

5. Prove by induction that(3¿¿ 2 n−1)¿ is divisible by 8 for all natural numbers

of n.
6. Prove that (8¿ ¿2 n−1−1)¿ is a multiple of 7 for all natural numbers
7. Prove by induction that n ( n+1 ) ( n+2 ) is always divisible by 6 where n is a positive
integer.
dy
8. Prove by mathematical induction that dx ( x n ¿=n x n−1

9. Prove that f ( x )=3 2 n+2−8 n−9 is a factor of 64.

1 1 1 1
10.Prove by induction that 2 + 6 +…+ n ( n−1 ) =1− n

Solutions

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 1(a)
n
n ( n+1 )
∑ r= 2
this implies that ;
r=1

n(n+1)
1+2+3+…+ n=
2
1(1+1)
when n=1 , LHS=1 ; RHS= =¿;proof holds
2

2(2+1)
when n=2; LHS =3 ; RHS = =3 ; proof holds
2

Assume proof holds for n=k

k (k +1)
1+2+3+…+ k=
2

When n=k +1

( k +1 ) ( k +2 )
1+2+3+…+ k + ( k + 1 )=
2

k (k +1)
L . H . S= +( k + 1 )
2

(k + 1)(k +1+1)
¿ ; n=k+1 hence proof holds
2

conc ; since proof holds for n=1 ,2 , k ∧k +1 then;

n
n(n+1)
∑ r= 2
for all integral values of n.
r=1

1(b)

n2 ( n+ 1 )2 3 3 3
n
3 3 n2 ( n+1 )2
∑ r = 4 ; 1 + 2 + 3 + …+n = 4 ¿
r=1
¿
2 2
n ( n+ 1 )
3
1+8+27 +…+n =
4
2 2
1 ( 1+1 )
When n=1 , LHS =1; RHS= ; proof holds
4

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 2 2
2 ( 2+1 )
When ¿ 2 ; LHS ¿ 9 ; RHS= =9 ; proof holds
4
Assume proof holds for n=k
2 2
k ( k +1 )
1+8+27 +…+ k 3=
4
( k +1 )2 ( k +2 )2
When n=k +1; 1+8+27 +…+ k 3+ ( k +1 )3=
4
2 2
k ( k +1 )
L . H . S= + ( k +1 )3
4
( k +1 )2 2
¿ { k + 4 k +4 }
4
2
(k + 1)
¿ {(k + 2)2 } ; n=k +1 ; proof holds
4
conc; since proof holds for n=1 ,2 , kand k +1 then
n n2 ( n+ 1 )2
3
∑ r = 4 ; ¿for all integral values of n
r=1
¿
2(a)
Solution ;
sin 2 nθ
cosθ +cos 3 θ+ cos 5 θ+…+cos ( 2n−1 ) θ=¿ ¿
2 sinθ
sin 2θ 2 sinθcosθ
When n=1 , LHS =cosθ ; RHS= 2 sinθ = 2 sinθ =cos θ proof holds
sin 4 θ
When n=2 LHS=cosθ+ cos 3 θ RHS= 2 sinθ
2 sin 2θcos 2θ 4 sinθcosθcos 2 θ
¿ 2 cos 2 θcosθ= =
2 sinθ 2 sinθ
¿ 2 cos 2 θcosθ
; proof holds

Assume proof holds for n=k

sin 2 kθ
cosθ +cos 3 θ+ cos 5 θ+…+cos ( 2 k−1 ) θ=¿ ¿
2 sinθ

For n=k +1 ;

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 sin 2 ( k +1 ) θ
t+ cos 3 θ+cos 5 θ+ …+cos ( 2 k −1 ) θ +cos ⁡(2 k +1)θ=¿ ¿
2 sinθ

sin 2 kθ
L . H . S= +cos ⁡(2 k +1)θ
2 sinθ

sin 2 kθ+2 sinθ cos ⁡(2 k +1)θ

¿
2 sinθ

sin 2 kθ+sin ( 2 k +2 ) θ−sin2 kθ sin 2(k +1)θ

¿ ⇒ ; n=k +1 ; proof holds
2 sinθ 2 sinθ

since proof holds for n=1 ,2 , k , k +1 thenits true that

∑ cos ( 2 r−1 ) θ= sin 2 nθ

2 sinθ
r=1

; for all intergral values of n.

DIVISIBILITY AND MULTIPLE TESTS

This is a sub section of proof induction i.e. the concept of induction still hold.
1. Prove by induction that 32 n−1 is divisible by 8 for all natural numbers n
2n
3 −1
An =
8
2n
8 An =3 −1

when n=1 ,
2
8 A1=3 −1
¿ 9−1=8

¿ 1 X 8( proof holds)

when n=2
4
8 A2=3 −1
¿ 81−1
¿ 80
¿ 10 X 8( proof holds)

When n=k , assume proof holds

2k
8 Ak =3 −1

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 when n=k +1
2 ( k+1)
8 Ak +1=3 −1
2k 2
¿ 3 ∗3 −1

¿ 9 ( 32 k −1 ) but 8 A 2 +1=32 k

∴ 8 A k +1=9 ( 8 A2 +1 ) −1

¿ 72 A k +9−1

¿ 72 A k +8

¿ 8 ( 9 A k +1 ) ; proof holds

∴ since poof holds for n=¿ 1 , 2.k ∧k +1 , its true that

2n
3 −1 is divisible by 8 for all natural numbers n

2. Prove by induction that 8 n−7 n+6 is a multiple of 7 for all integral values of n.
n
8 −7 n+ 6
Let fn =
7
n
7 f n=8 −7 n+6

When n=1, 7 f 1=81−7 (1)+ 6

¿ 7 X 1 proof holds ,

When n=2, f 2=82−7 (2)+ 6

¿ 64−14+ 6
¿ 56
¿ 8 X 7 , proof holds
when n=k ,
k
7 f k =8 −7(k )+ 6 Assume proof holds
when n=k +1
k+1
7 f k+1=8 −7(k + 1)+6
k
¿ 8 X 8 −7 k −7+6
¿ 8 ( 7 f k +7 k −6 ) −7 k−1

¿ 56 f k + 56 k−48−7 k−1

¿ 56 f k + 49 k −49

¿ 7(8 f k +7 k−7 ¿ ; proof holds

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 since proof holds for n¿ 1 ,2 , k ∧k +1 thenits true that 8n −7 n+6 is a multiple of 7 for all
integral values of n
3. Use the method of induction to prove that 6 n−1is a fctor of 5 for n ≥ 2

SUMS OF SERIES
To determine the sums of different series, we must recall the general summations
of the following series i.e;
a)
n

∑ r⇒⏟
1+ 2+ 3+…+n
r=1
1
Sn= n(n+1 )
2
n
1
that is¿ say ; ∑ r= n ( n+ 1 ) … … …..(1)
r =1 2
b)
n

∑ r 2 ⇒ 1⏟
2
+22 +32 +…+ n2
r=1
1
S n= n(n+1)(2n +1)
6
n
1
that is¿ say ; ∑ r 2= n ( n+1 ) (2 n+1 ) … … … (2)
r =1 6
c)
n

∑ r 3 ⇒ 1⏟
3
+23 +3 3+ … n3
r=1
1 2
Sn= n2 ( n +1)
4
n
1
that is¿ say ; ∑ r 3=¿ n2 ( n+1 ) … … … .(3)¿
2

r =1 4
And as well we must be able to identify whether the a certain series is
arithmetic, geometric or none of the two.
Examples:
1. Find the sum of the following series;
a) 1+2+3+…+ ( 2 n+1 )
From;
n

∑ r= 12 n ( n+1 )∨S n= 12 n ( n+1 )

r=1

2 n+ 1
1
⇒ ∑ r= ( 2 n+1 ) [ ( 2n+ 1 )+ 1 ]
r=1 2
1
¿ ( 2 n+1 ) [ 2 n+2 ]
2
¿ ( 2 n+1 ) ( n+1 )

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 ∴ 1+2+3+…+ (2 n+1 )=( 2 n+1 ) ( n+1 )

b) 12 +22 +32 +…+ ( n−1 )2

1
¿ ; Sn= n(n+ 1)(2 n+1)
6
1
⇒ S n−1 = ( n−1 ) (n−1+1)(2 ( n−1 )+1)
6
1
¿ ( n−1 ) ( n ) ( 2n−1 )
6
2 2 2 2 1
∴ 1 + 2 +3 + …+ ( n−1 ) = n ( n−1 ) (2 n−1 )
6

c) 13 +23 +33 +… ( 2 n )3
1 2 2
¿ ; Sn= n ( n+1 )
4

1 2 2
⇒ S2 n= (2 n ) ( 2 n+1 )
4
2 2
¿ n ( 2 n+1 )
3 3 3 3 2 2
∴ 1 + 2 + 3 +… ( 2 n ) =n ( 2 n+1 )

d) 2+5+10+ …+ ( n2 +1 )

¿ 2+5+10+ …+ ( n2 +1 )
¿ ( 12 +1 ) + ( 22 +1 ) + ( 32+ 1 ) +…+ ( n 2+1 )
¿ (⏟12 +22 +32 +… n2 ) + ⏟ (1+1+1+ …+1 )
1 1× n
n(n+1)(2n +1)
6
n(n+1)(2 n+1)
¿ +n
6
n ( n+1 ) ( 2n+ 1 )+ 6 n
¿
6
1
¿ n [ ( n+1 )( 2 n+1 ) +6 ]
6
1 2
¿ n (2 n + 3 n+7)
6
1
∴ 2+5+10+…+ ( n +1 )= n(2 n +3 n+7)
2 2
6

2. Show that the sum of the series;

2 2 2 2 2
2 + 4 + 6 +…+ ( 2 n ) = n(n+1) ( 2n+1 )
3

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 2 2 2 2
¿ ( 2 ×1 ) + ( 2× 2 ) + ( 2× 3 ) + …+ ( 2 n )
¿ 22 × 12+ 22 × 22+2 2 ×3 2+ …+ ( 22 × n2 )
¿ 22 ( 12+ 22+3 2+ …+n2 )

( 1
¿ 4 n(n+1)(2 n+1)
6 )
2
¿ n ( n+1 ) ( 2 n+1 )
3
2 2 2 2 2
∴ 2 + 4 +6 + …+ ( 2 n ) = n ( n+1 )( 2 n+1 )
3

3. Prove that the sum of the series;

1
1 ×2+2 ×3+3 × 4+ 4 ×5+ … ¿ n−terms is n ( n+1 ) ( n+2 )
3
¿ 1 ×2+2 ×3+3 × 4+ 4 ×5+ …+n ( n+1 )
2
¿ n ( n+1 ) +n ( n+ 1 )+ n ( n+1 ) +n ( n+1 ) +…+ n +n

¿ ( 12 +22 +32 +…+ n2 ) + ( 1+ 2+3+…+ n )

1 1
¿ n ( n+ 1 )( 2 n+1 ) + n( n+1)
6 2
n ( n+1 ) ( 2n+ 1 )+ 3 n(n+1)
¿
6
n ( n+1 ) [ 2 n+1+3 ]
¿
6
n ( n+1 ) ( 2n+ 4 ) 1
¿ ⇒ n ( n+1 ) ( n+2 )
6 3
1
∴ 1× 2+2× 3+3 × 4+ 4 ×5+ …+n terms= n ( n+1 )( n+ 2 )
3

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Exercise:
Find the sums of the following series;
1. 2+5+8+ 11+… ¿ n−terms
2. 5+9+ 13++17+… ¿ n−terms
3. 1 ×3+2 × 4+3 ×5+ 4 × 6+… ¿ n−terms
1
ANS : 6 n ( n+ 1 )( 2 n+7 )
4. 12 +32 +52 +…+ ( 2 n−1 )2
1
ANS: 3 n ( 4 n −1 )
2

5. 2+10+30+ …+ ( n3 + n )
1
ANS: 4 n ( n+1 ) ( n +n+ 2 )
2

6. 2+12+36+ …+n3 +n2

1
ANS: 12 n ( n+1 ) ( n+2 ) ( 3 n+1 )

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