2.

Number Patterns, Sequences and Series

A. Investigating patterns

Patterns have been a topic of interest for humans for thousands of years. Ancient
civilisations, such as those of the Egyptians and the Greeks, used patterns in the design of
their architecture. In modern times, mathematicians and scientists use patterns, found
through experiments and problems, to discover new ideas.

Conjectures are theories about patterns.

For example – Look at this pattern → 2; 4; 8; 16; 32…. What is happening?

The next term is always double the previous term. Our conjecture
(or theory) is that you need to multiply the previous term by 2 to get to the next
term.
To write this as a formula we can say Tn = 2n.

To get to this formula we know that:

Term 1 = 21 = 2
Term 2 = 2 × 2 = 22 = 4
Term 3 = 2 ×2 ×2 = 23 = 8

You can see that the term number is the same as the exponent in each term.

Activity 2.1:

Find a formula or conjecture for each of the patterns shown below, and give the next three
terms of each pattern:

a) 0; 3; 8; 15;…… b) -1; 1; -3; 3; -5; 5; ……

1 1 1
c) ;
64 32 16
; ;… d) 1; 3; 9; 27;…
e) 0.1; 0.01; 0.101; 0.0101; …… f) 𝑥 2 𝑦; 2𝑥 3 𝑦 3 ; 4𝑥 4 𝑦 5 ; …
Using the calculator to solve Sequence and Series calculations:

Use the following keys from the EL-W535SAB Scientific Calculator:

This key calculates exponential values

These keys together calculate the xth root of y

This key inputs a fraction or improper fraction with a numerator

and a denominator

These keys together input a mixed fraction

B. Quadratic Sequences

In a linear or “Arithmetic” sequence you have a first common difference – in other words
you add or subtract a constant value (constant means the same).

For example: 4, 8, 12, 16…. and so on. You add a constant difference of 4. This is an
example of a first common difference.

In a quadratic sequence you add either an increasing or decreasing amount every time.
That amount always increases or decreases by a constant amount – your second common
difference.

For example: 1, 3, 7, 13, 21…. and so on.

1 3 7 13 21 → sequence
2 4 6 8 → first difference
2 2 2 → second common/constant difference

The formula for a quadratic sequence is 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛2 + 𝑏𝑛 + 𝑐: where Tn is your term value
and n is your term position.
To find a, b and c you use these three formula’s
a + b + c = the first term, in our example = 1
3a + b = the first “first difference”, in our example = 2
2a = the second common difference, in our example = 2.

Now solve these equations from the bottom up (↑)

So: 2a = 2
a=1 IEB students will be familiar with this formula:
(𝑛−1)(𝑛−2)𝑠
Then: 3a + b = 2 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑇1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑓 + 2
3(1) + b = 2 f = first difference
b=2–3 s = second difference
b=-1 (𝑛−1)(𝑛−2)(2)
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 1 + (𝑛 − 1)(2) +
And lastly : a + b + c = 1 2
1 + (-1) + c = 1 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 1 + 2𝑛 − 2 + 𝑛2 − 3𝑛 + 2
c=1 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛2 − 𝑛 + 1

Now substitute these values into your formula:

Tn = 1n2 – 1n + 1.

To check that our formula works, we choose any position for example,
n = 3, and we make sure that it equals the value at that position, T n = 7.
T3 = 1(3)2 – 1(3) + 1 = 7

Activity 2.2

1. Find the formula for the following sequences:

a) 2, 5, 10, 17, 26…. b) 1, 2, 7, 16, 29, 46….

c) 3, 6, 12, 21, 33…. d) 1, 3, 10, 22, 39, 61…
e) 3, 5, 8, 12, 17…. f) 2, 6, 11, 17, 24, 32…

2. Given the sequence: 3, 4, 7, 12, 19, 28… Find:

a) The seventh and eighth terms

b) The formula representing the sequence
c) The 22nd term
d) If Tn = 199, find n.

3. Given the sequence: 2, 4, 9, 17…

a) Continue the sequence for three more terms

b) Find the formula of the sequence
c) Find the 13th term
d) If Tn = 612, find n.

4. A chicken farmer goes to a market in order to buy chickens. He knows that on each
successive day the prices of the chickens go down. On the first day he buys 10
chickens. On the second day he buys 20 chickens. On the third day he buys 36
chickens, on the fourth day he buys 58 chickens. He continues in this pattern until
the last day, when he buys 206 chickens.
 a) How many days does the market go on for?
b) How many chickens does the farmer buy in total?
c) If the market continued for two weeks, how many chickens would the farmer
buy on the last day?

C. Arithmetic Sequence

An ordered list is called a sequence, where T1 is known as term 1, T2 is known as term 2,

and T3 is known as term 3, etc. The general term is Tn, where ‘n’ is a natural number.
Position of term

Tn= a + (n – 1).d difference

Term value first term

Activity 2.3

1. Given the general term, write down the first 5 terms, as well as the 100 th term of the
sequence:

a) Tn=n – 3 b) Tn =7 – n
c) Tn= 2n – 4 d) Tn =3n +1
1
e) Tn= -n +2 f) Tn = 3 𝑛 + 4

2. Given the general term, calculate the value of the term indicated:
1
a) Tn =4n + 1, find T12 b) Tn = 3𝑛 + 2, find T4
2𝑛+2
c) 𝑇𝑛 = , find T50
𝑛

Example: Given the following sequence, find the formula:

3; 6; 9; 12; 15; …

We can say:

The common difference is 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 6 − 3 = 3

Now substitute the first term into a and you have your formula:

∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 3 + (𝑛 − 1)(3)
Activity 2.3 continued

3. Determine the 15th and 100th term of each of the following arithmetic sequences by
first finding Tn:
5
a) 9; 12; 15; … b) 0; − 2 ; −5; …
c) 7 + 9𝑥; 8 + 11𝑥; 9 + 13𝑥 d) 𝑎 = 5; 𝑑 = 7𝑥

4. Determine which term of the arithmetic sequence given, is equal to the term given
in brackets:
1 3 19
a) -2; 1; 4… (109) b) ; − 7 ; − 14 ; …. (-19)
2
c) 𝑥; 2𝑥 + 3; 3𝑥 + 6; … (50𝑥 + 147)
d) log √2 ; log 4 ; log 8√2 … (log 223 )

5. Determine the arithmetic sequence and the 14th term in each of the following:

a) The 4th term is 14 and the 20th term is 94.

b) The 7th term is 12 and the 33rd term is -40.
c) The 5th term is 2 + 3𝑥 and 𝑑 = 1 + 𝑥
d) The 6th term is 5𝑥 − 2 and 𝑎 = −3

6. Consider the following arithmetic sequence:

𝑥 + 3; 2𝑥 − 2 ; 5𝑥 + 1; ….

a) Find the value of 𝑥.

b) Write down the first 3 terms.
c) Determine the 20th term of this sequence.
d) Which term in this sequence will be equal -64?

Reminder:

An arithmetic sequence, or progression, is any sequence where the same difference

occurs between each term within that sequence.

We use the following for the formula: Tn= a + (n – 1)d

‘a’ is the first term
‘d’ is the common difference between the terms

Activity 2.4

1. Determine the 20th term of the following arithmetic sequences:

a) 6; 12; 18;... b) -11; -9; -7;…

1 3
c) p + 2q; 3p + 3q; 5p + 4q;… d) a = −4 , d=4
e) a = 2, T6 = 62 (HINT: Find ‘d’ first)
2. For each of the following formulas, find:
(i) Term 1 (a) (ii) Common difference (d)

a) Tn = 4n – 2 b) Tn = 5 + 3n
1
c) Tn = 2 𝑛 d) Tn = 6-2n

3. Determine which term in each of the below sequences:

a) 2; 4; 6; … is equal to 48
b) -3; 1; 5; … is equal to 81
1 1 3 3
c) 2 4 ; 2 2 ; 2 4 ; is equal to 6 4
d) a; 2a + 1; 3a + 2; … is equal to 12a + 11

4. Given the following terms of an arithmetic sequence, determine the first 3 terms,
and then the value of T25:

a) T8= 22, and T17= 49 b) T11= -28, and T30= -104

1
c) T6= 10, and T21= 14 2 d) 𝑇4 = 7𝑥 + 10, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇15 = 29𝑥 + 43
D. Geometric Sequences

Notes:

In a geometric sequence, there is a common ratio, ‘r’, which is calculated by dividing any
term of a sequence by the previous term in the sequence. Therefore:
𝑇𝑛+1
= 𝑟, for n ≥ 1 this can also be used to prove that a sequence is geometric:
𝑇𝑛
𝑇 𝑇3
If 𝑇2 = then the sequence has a common ratio and therefore the sequence is geometric.
1 𝑇2

The formula for finding the general term in a geometric sequence is:

first term term position or number

𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1

Term value ratio

Example 1:

For the sequence given below:

a) show that it is a geometric sequence, and
b) calculate the values for ‘a’ and ‘r’ to find the general term, in order to calculate the
next three terms of the sequence.
72; 12; 2; …..

Answer:
𝑇 12 1 𝑇 2 1
a) 𝑇1 = 72 Therefore, 𝑇2 = = and 𝑇3 = =
1 72 6 2 12 6
1
𝑇2 = 12 There is a common ratio of 6 and a = 72
1 𝑛−1
𝑇3 = 2 The general term is: 𝑇𝑛 = 72. (6)
b)
The next three terms of the sequence are:
1 4−1 1 5−1 1 6−1
𝑇4 = 72. (6) , 𝑇5 = 72. (6) , 𝑇6 = 72. (6)
1 1 1
= = =
3 18 108

All of these can be entered straight into your SHARP EL-W535SAB calculator by

pressing these buttons:

Example 2:

Given the following geometric sequence, calculate the 10th and 21st terms:

-3; -9; -27; ….

Answer:
𝑇 𝑇
a = -3, r = 3 (remember →𝑇2 = 𝑇3)
1 2

𝑇10 = −3 × (3)10−1 = −59 049 𝑜𝑟 − 3×39 , and

𝑇21 = −3 × (3)21−1 = −1.046 × 1010 𝑜𝑟 − 3×320

You can also put this straight into your EL-W535SAB calculator by pressing these buttons:

Example 3:

Given that 𝑇3 = 8 and 𝑇15 = 32 768 , determine the first three terms of the geometric
sequence.

𝑇3 = 𝑎𝑟 3−1 = 8 (1)
𝑇15 = 𝑎𝑟 15−1 = 32 768 (2)
𝑎𝑟 14 32 768 Again you can simply put this into your EL-
Therefore: = 8 W535SAB by pressing these buttons:
𝑎𝑟 2
𝑟 12 = 4 096
12
∴ 𝑟 = √4 096
∴𝑟=2
Substitute r = 2 into (1): 8 = 𝑎. (2)2
8 = 4a
Therefore: 2 = a

𝑇1 = 2; 𝑇2 = 2×2 = 4; 𝑇3 = 2 ×22 = 8
Example 4:
1 1 1
In the following geometric sequence 3 ; ; … Which term in this sequence is equal to
15 75
1
?
9375

1 1 1 𝑛−1 1
𝑎= 𝑇𝑛 = × (5) =
3 3 9375
1
15 1 1 𝑛−1 1
𝑟= 1 = ∴ (5) =
5 3125
3
1
∴ 𝑛 − 1 = log 1 3125
5
∴𝑛−1=5
∴𝑛=6

Example 5:

Given that 𝑇7 = 360 and a common ratio of 3, determine the first three terms of the
geometric sequence.

𝑇7 = 𝑎. 𝑟 7−1 = 360
𝑎. 36 = 360
𝑎. 729 = 360
360
𝑎 = 729
40
𝑎= 81
40 40 40
∴ 𝑇1 = ; 𝑇2 = ; 𝑇3 =
81 27 9

Activity 2.5

1. Say whether the following sequences are geometric or arithmetic.

Find the next three terms in each of the sequences:
1 1 1
a) ; 10 ; 25 b) 3; 12; 48
4
c) -7; -10; -13 d) 5; 9; 13
3 9 27 2 11 9
e) − 4 ; − 8 ; − 16 f) ; ;
7 14 7

2. From the given terms, calculate the common ratio, and then calculate the 21 st term
of the geometric sequence:
1
a) 𝑇1 = 2 and 𝑇12 = 1024
1 1
b) 𝑇1 = 2 and 𝑇12 = −88 573 2
c) 𝑇1 = 4𝑥 and 𝑇12 = 8192𝑥12
177 147
d) 𝑇1 = 8 and 𝑇12 = 256
3. Given ‘a’ and ‘r’, find the first three terms and find which term is equal to the value
shown below:

a) 𝑎 = 1, 𝑟 = 2, 𝑇𝑛 = 32 768
1 1
b) 𝑎 = 2 , 𝑟 = 3, 𝑇𝑛 = 3280 2
1
c) 𝑎= , 𝑟 = 2, 𝑇𝑛 = 4096
16
1 1
d) 𝑎 = 8, 𝑟 = ,𝑇 =
4 𝑛 32

4. Calculate ‘r’, where ‘a’ is given along with a term total:

a) 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇5 = 32 b) 𝑎 = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇7 = 729

1 5
c) 𝑎 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇6 = 2 592 d) 𝑎 = −5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇9 = − 256

5. In a geometric sequence, the first three terms are given as:

(p + 2); (p - 2); and p. Find the value of p, and hence the first three terms.
E. Series

• A sequence is an ordered list, i.e. T1; T2; T3; …………; Tn

• A series is the sum of the terms of the sequence, i.e. T 1 + T2 + T3 +… Tn
• A finite series is the sum of a given number of terms, whereas an infinite series is
the sum of all the terms of a sequence. An infinite series only occurs when a series
is geometric and -1 < r < 1; r ≠ 0 (or in other words your ratio is a positive or
negative fraction). This concept will be explored in more detail in Section F.
• The formula for the sum of ‘n’ terms of an arithmetic series:
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = 2 [2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
• If the last term of the sequence is given, then the formula is as follows:
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = 2 [𝑎 + 𝑙], 𝑙 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
• 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑆𝑛−1 + 𝑇𝑛 , ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑆𝑛 − 𝑆𝑛−1
𝑎(1−𝑟 𝑛 )
• The formula for the sum of a geometric series to n terms is: 𝑆𝑛 = or
1−𝑟
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 −1)
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑟 𝑛 −1

As a matric student you need to be able to prove these two series (sum) formulae. Here is
how to do it:

Sn = a + [a + d] + [a +2d] + [a + 3d] + ….. + [a + (n - 2)d] + [a + (n – 1)d]

Sn = [a + (n – 1)d] + [a + (n – 2)d] + [a + (n – 3)d] + ….+ [a + d] + a

Add these two sums together:

2Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d] + [2a + (n – 1)d] + [2a + (n – 1)d] + … + [2a + (n – 1)d]
= n[2a + (n – 1)d]
𝑛
∴ 𝑆𝑛 = [ 2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
2

And for the geometric series the proof is just as easy:

Sn = a + ar + ar2 + ar3 + …. + arn - 2 + arn – 1

r × Sn = ar + ar2 + ar3 + …. + arn - 1 + arn (Multiply by r)
rSn - Sn = - a + 0 + 0 + 0 + …. + 0 + 0 + arn
∴ 𝑟 𝑆𝑛 − 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛 − 𝑎
∴ 𝑆𝑛 (𝑟 − 1) = 𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑎( 𝑟 𝑛 −1)
∴ 𝑆𝑛 = , r ≠ 1.
(𝑟−1)

Example 1:

If T1 = 2 and d = 5,
a) Determine T1 to T5 of the sequence and
b) Calculate the sum of these first five terms.

Answers

a) T1 = 2, T2 = 7, T3 = 12, T4 = 17, T5 = 22
 𝑛
b) 𝑆𝑛 = [𝑎 + 𝑙] OR Sn = T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5
2
5
𝑆5 = [2 + 22] = 2 + 7 + 12 + 17 + 22
2
𝑆5 = 60 = 60

Example 2:
1
Given that 𝑆𝑛 = 4 𝑛2 − 𝑛 find the first 5 terms and say whether the sequence is arithmetic
or geometric, and then calculate the sum of these 5 terms.
1 3 3
𝑆1 = (1)2 − (1) = − ∴ 𝑇1 = 𝑆1 = − 4
4 4
1 3 1
𝑆2 = (2)2 − (2) = −1 ∴ 𝑇2 = 𝑆2 − 𝑆1 = −1 − (− 4) = − 4
4
1 3 3 1
𝑆3 = (3)2 − (3) = − ∴ 𝑇3 = 𝑆3 − 𝑆2 = (− 4) − (−1) =
4 4 4
1 3 3
𝑆4 = (4)2 − (4) = 0 ∴ 𝑇4 = 𝑆4 − 𝑆3 = 0 − (− 4) =
4 4
1 1 1 1
𝑆5 = (5)2 − (5) = 1 4 ∴ 𝑇5 = 𝑆5 − 𝑆4 = 1 4 − 0 = 1 4
4

1
𝑑 = 2 so this is an arithmetic sequence as there is a common difference.
5 3 1
∴ 𝑆5 = [2 (− 4) + (5 − 1) (2)]
2
1
𝑆5 = 1 4

You can put this sequence straight into your SHARP EL-W535SAB calculator and
get the correct answer:

Example 3:

Given that T1 = 0,1 and T15 = 2,9, calculate the sum of the arithmetic series to 15 terms.

T1 = 0,1 = a
𝑇15 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 = 2.9
0.1 + (14)𝑑 = 2.9
𝑛
14𝑑 = 2.8 ∴ 𝑆𝑛 = [2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
2
1 15 1
𝑑= 𝑜𝑟 0.2 ∴ 𝑆15 = [2(0.1) + 14 (5)]
5 2
1
∴ 𝑆15 = 22 2 𝑜𝑟 22.5
Example 4:

Given an arithmetic sequence of 32 + 28 + 24 + …… Determine the value of ‘n’ for

which the series total is 140.
𝑛
∴ 𝑆𝑛 = [2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
2
𝑛
∴ 140 = 2 [2(32) + (𝑛 − 1)(−4)]
∴ 280 = 𝑛[64 − 4𝑛 + 4]
∴ 280 = 64𝑛 − 4𝑛2 + 4𝑛 Both values are positive and if they
∴ 0 = 4𝑛2 − 68𝑛 + 280 are substituted into the formula
∴ 0 = 𝑛2 − 17𝑛 + 70 both give a result of 140, so they
∴ 0 = (𝑛 − 10)(𝑛 − 7) both satisfy the equation.
n = 7 or n = 10.

Example 5:

The sum of the first 10 terms of an arithmetic series is 80. The sum of term 3 and term 7
is 12. Calculate ‘a’ and ‘d’, and hence write down the series.

T3 = 𝑎 + 2𝑑
T7 = 𝑎 + 6𝑑 ∴ 𝑎 + 2𝑑 + 𝑎 + 6𝑑 = 12
∴ 2𝑎 = 12 − 8𝑑
10
∴ 𝑆10 = 80 = 2 [2𝑎 + 9𝑑] Remember that 2a = 12 – 8d
∴ 80 = 5[12 − 8𝑑 + 9𝑑]
80 = 5[12 + 𝑑]
80
= 12 + 𝑑
5
16 − 12 = 𝑑
𝑑=4
∴ 2𝑎 = 12 − 8𝑑
∴ 𝑎 = 6 − 4𝑑
∴ 𝑎 = 6 − 4(4)
∴ 𝑎 = −10

∴ −10 − 6 − 2 + 2 + 6 + ⋯

Example 6:

Calculate the geometric series: 1+3+9+27…..to 12 terms.

Here a = 1 and r = 3.

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 −1)
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑟−1 You can put this straight into your SHARP EL-
1(312 −1) W535SAB by keying in these buttons:
∴ 𝑆12 = 3−1
∴ 𝑆12 = 265 720
Example 7:
1 1
Calculate the value of ‘n’, for which the series is equal to 16 383 2, and where term 1 is 2
and r = 2.
𝑎(1−𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 = 1−𝑟
1
1 (1−2𝑛 )
2
∴ 16 383 2 = 1−2
32 767 1
∴ − 2 = 2 (1 − 2𝑛 )
∴ −32 767 = 1 − 2𝑛
∴ 32 768 = 2𝑛
∴ log 2 32 768 = 𝑛
∴ 𝑛 = 15

Activity 2.6

1. Given the following general terms, determine the first 3 terms of the sequence, and
hence calculate the sum of those three terms.
a) Tn = -2n b) Tn = 4 – n

2. Given the general term,𝑇𝑛 = 2𝑛 + 3 , calculate the sum of the first 10 terms, i.e. S10.

3. If S10 = 120 and S11 = 144, find the value of T11.

4. If 𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 𝑛, find the first 5 terms of the sequence, and say what type of
sequence it is.

5. Given the following arithmetic series , find the sum: (Hint find n first)

a) 3 + 6 + 9 + 12+…… +36.
1 1
b) 2 + 2 2 + 3 + 3 2 + …. 10.
c) 7 + 6,75 + 6,5 + 6,25 + …… 3,75.

6. Find the number of terms in the arithmetic series if the sum is 45,
3
T2 = 2 and T5 = 3.

7. S6 = 159, T8 – T5 = 15. Find S10.

8. Calculate the sum of each geometric series given below:

a) 8 + 4 + 2 + ……… to 10 terms
b) 2 + -4 + 8 + ……… to 6 terms
1 1 1
c) + 9 + 27 + … .. to 8 terms.
3

9. If:
3
a) T1 = 3 and T7 = 64. Find S10 of the geometric series.
b) T1 = 2 and T8 = 4 374. Find S15 of the geometric seies.

10. S6 = 504 and r = 2. Find T1.

F. Sigma Notation
𝑘

∑ 𝑇𝑛
𝑛=1

• ∑ →This symbol is the Greek capital letter for S. It represents the sum of a number
of terms in a sequence. The above example reads as follows: Sigma Tn, starting at
n = 1, and ending with k = what?
(the sum of a number of terms of a general term)

There are certain sigma series that have a particular answer:

• ∑𝑘𝑛=1 1 = 𝑛 in other words → 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 and so on…. This is simply counting and
so will equal the number of terms in the sequence.
𝑘(𝑘+1)
• ∑𝑘𝑛=1 𝑛 = in other words 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 and so on… if you use the formula
2
you should find the sum.
For example if you have: ∑5𝑛=1 𝑛 then you are saying
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15. Simple if you have only 5 terms.
But when you have: ∑100
𝑛=1 𝑛 then it becomes much more difficult and you
𝑘 (𝑘+1)
need to use the formula → 2
100(100+1)
∴ 2
(which you can put straight into ∴ 5050
your EL-W535SAB)

Example 1: ∑8𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛 − 1)

This example is asking that you calculate the sum where
1 is the first value to be substituted and 8 is the last
value to be substituted. So in all, 8 terms will be added
to get the answer.

Solution: ∑8𝑛=1 𝑛(𝑛 − 1)

= 1(0) + 2(1) + 3(2) + 4(3) + 5(4) + 6(5) + 7(6) + 8(7)
= 0 + 2 + 6 + 12 + 20 + 30 + 42 + 56
= 168

Example 2: ∑12
𝑛=4 8 In this example, no general term is given, so that
means that each term in the sequence will be the
number 8. There will be 9 terms of 8 added together as
the starting value is 4 and the ending value is 12

When you want to work out how many terms there are in ∑𝑘𝑛=𝑖 𝑇(𝑛)
→k–n+1

Solution: ∑12
𝑛=4 8
=8+8+8+8+8+8+8+8+8
= 72

OR = 8 ×9 = 72
Example 3: In this example, a series is given, which needs to be converted
back to sigma notation.

3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 +18 +21

Convert it to sigma notation

Solution: Try to find the arithmetic or geometric rule for the sequence.
3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 +18 +21
∴ 𝑎 = 3; 𝑑 = 3
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 3 + (𝑛 − 1)(3)
= 3 + 3𝑛 − 3
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑛
the last term position in the sequence
3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 +18 +21 = ∑7𝑛=1 3𝑛
The equation or formula
What term are you starting at?

Example 4:

5 + 9 + 13 + 17….to k terms) is equal to 324. Find k.

Solution:
𝑛
a = 5, d = 4 𝑆𝑛 = [2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
2
𝑘
∴ 324 = [2(5) + (𝑘 − 1)4]
2
∴ 648 = 𝑘[10 + 4𝑘 − 4]
∴ 0 = 10𝑘 + 4𝑘 2 − 4𝑘 − 648
∴ 0 = 4𝑘 2 + 6𝑘 − 648
∴ 0 = 2𝑘 2 + 3𝑘 − 324
∴ 0 = (𝑘 − 12)(2𝑘 + 27)
27
∴ 𝑘 = 12 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 ≠ − 2
as n ≠ a fraction or a negative number.

Example 5: ∑150
𝑛=1(2𝑛 + 1) If the number of terms given is too large to
calculate the sum of, as in the above examples,
the formula for arithmetic series or geometric
series can be used. First you would need to
decide whether the sequence has a common
difference or ratio.

Answer:
3 + 5 + 7 + ……. + 301. a = 3, d = 2, therefore this an arithmetic sequence. The last
term given is 301.
𝑛 𝑛
∴ 𝑆𝑛 = [2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑] OR 𝑆𝑛 = 2 (𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
150 150
∴ 𝑆150 = [2(3) + (150 − 1)(2)] ∴ 𝑆150 = 2 (3 + 301)
2
= 75[6 + 298] = 22 800
= 75 (304)
= 22 800
 The general term for a geometric sequence is 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 , and
𝑎(1−𝑟 𝑛 )
the equation for the sum of a geometric series is 𝑆𝑛 = ,
1−𝑟
r  1. In sigma notation this would read as 𝑆𝑛 = ∑𝑘𝑛=1 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
.

Example 6:

Given:
100
1
𝑆100 = ∑ (2)𝑛−1
2
𝑛=1

Find the sum of the first 100 terms of the geometric sequence.
Therefore:
1 1 1 1
𝑎 = 2 (2)0 = 2 ; 𝑇2 = 2 (2)1 = 1; 𝑇3 = 2 (2)2 = 2; ∴𝑟=2
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 −1)
∴ 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑟−1
1 100 To put this into your SHARP EL-W535SAB press:
(2 −1)
2
∴ 𝑆100 = 2−1
∴ 𝑆100 = 6.338 ×1029

Example 7:
Given:
1 + 3 + 9 + 27 + …… to 12 terms. Calculate the sum of this geometric series.

Answer:
𝑎=1
𝑎(1−𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑟=3 𝑆𝑛 = 1−𝑟
1(1−312 )
𝑆12 = 1−3
∴ 𝑆12 = 265 720

Activity 2.7

1. Evaluate (means calculate) the following series by first determining if the series is
arithmetic or geometric:

a) 2 – 6 – 18………. To 8 terms.
b) 3 + 6 + 9………. To 8 terms.
c) ½ + 1+ 2………. To 8 terms.
d) 16 + 12 + 8………. To 8 terms.
2. Determine n in each of the following series by first identifying
whether it is arithmetic or geometric:

1 1
a) ∑𝑛𝑘=1 ( ) (3)𝑘−1 = 4920 b) ∑𝑛𝑘=1(2𝑘 + 3) = 285
2 2

c) ∑𝑛𝑘=1(5)(3)𝑘−1 = 16400

3. Calculate:

1 5𝑛
a) ∑5𝑛=1 ( ) (4)𝑛−1 b) ∑8𝑛=3 ( )
2 2
1 𝑛−1
c) ∑18
𝑛=6 3.2𝑛 d) ∑6𝑛=2(4) ( )
2

4. Given the following information, find the value of ‘n’, or ‘k’:

a) Sn = 182, a = 8, and d = 6
b) Sn = 3 069, a = 3 and r = 2.

5. Evaluate the following:

1
a)∑100
𝑛=1(3𝑛 − 5) b) ∑150
𝑛=1 (2) (3)
𝑛−1

6. Write the following in sigma notation; all to k terms.

a) - 1 – 3 – 9………………
b) 2 + 1 + ½ ………………..
G. Sum to Infinity

When no last term of a series is given, we cannot calculate a definite sum. We say we are
finding the sum to infinity. This is symbolised by using ∞.
In an infinite arithmetic series, the larger the value for ‘n’, the larger the answer. That is,
this series will always diverge → in other words, the answer for a sum to infinity of a
divergent series is infinity.
In an infinite geometric series, the result can either be divergent or convergent, depending
on the size of ‘r’. For the series to be divergent, the value for ‘r’ must be less than -1, r = 1,
or r is greater than 1. For a convergent series, ‘r’ must lie between -1 and 1 (remember
that r ≠ 0).
A convergent series has a particular value.
𝑎 𝑎
𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 𝑜𝑟 ∑∞ 𝑛=1(𝑎)(𝑟)
𝑛−1
= 1−𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑟 𝑛 → 0 𝑎𝑠 𝑛 → ∞

Example 1:

Find 𝑆∞ for the following sequence. Give a reason for the existence or non-existence of
𝑆∞ .
∞
1 𝑛
∑( )
2
𝑛=1
1 1 1
∴ 𝑇1 = ; 𝑇2 = ; 𝑇3 =
2 4 8
1 1
∴𝑎= 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟=
2 2
𝑎
∴ 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟
1
2
∴ 𝑆∞ = 1
1−
2
∴ 𝑆∞ = 1

∴ The sum to infinity exists as -1 < r < 1 (the sum converges to 1 as ‘n’ increases).

Example 2:

Calculate the following if it exists:

∞
3 𝑛−1
∑(2) ( )
2
𝑛=1
3
∴ 𝑎 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟 = 2
∴ 𝑆∞ cannot be calculated.

The sum of this series does not exist as r > 1

Example 3:
2
If 𝑆∞ is equal to 10 3 and a = 8, find the value of ‘r’:
𝑎
∴ 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟
2 8 2
∴ 10 3 = Change 10 3 to an improper fraction
1−𝑟
32 8
∴ 3 = 1−𝑟 Cross multiply
∴ 32 − 32𝑟 = 24
∴ −32𝑟 = −8
1
∴𝑟= 4

Example 4:

Given the series: (p+2) + (p+2)2 + (p+2)3 …..

Determine for which values of ‘p’ the series will converge, and hence find the sum of the
series in terms of p. (For a converging series, -1 < r < 1)

a = (p+2) Therefore: -1 < p+2 < 1

r = (p+2) -3 < p < -1 (subtract 2 from both sides)
𝑝+2
So for -3 < p < -1, 𝑆∞ = 1−(𝑝+2)
𝑝+2
= for a convergent series
−1−𝑝
Activity 2.8

1. Given the following geometric series, find the sum to infinity:

1 𝑛−1
a) ∑∞
𝑛=1(2) ( ) b) 5,25 + 0,0525 + 0,000525
3
1 1 1 𝑝
c) 1+ + … d) ∑∞
𝑝=0 (− 2)
3 9

2. Determine whether it is possible to calculate the sum to infinity:

2
∑∞
𝑛=1 (3) (2)
𝑛−1

3. 𝐼𝑓 𝑆∞ = 15, 𝑎 = 3. 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑟.
7 1
4. 𝐼𝑓 𝑆∞ = , 𝑟= . 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑎.
16 8

5. A mountain climber is climbing a mountain. In his first hour he climbs 2km. For
3
every hour he climbs thereafter, he is only able to climb 5 of the previous height,
due to an increase in the incline of the mountain. How high is he able to climb
before he needs to start using climbing equipment?
H. Problem solving

Steps to solving problems:

• Know what you are being asked to find
• Write down information that will be useful in solving the problem
• Use diagrams to help understand the information in the question
• Make sure that all units given are the same, otherwise convert them to the same
units.
• Use correct formulae to assign variables
• If solving a sequence problem, make sure you identify whether it is arithmetic or
geometric
• Solve for the unknown value by using appropriate equations
• Make sure the answer is logical and correct. Substitute it back to check the
accuracy.

Example:

Matchsticks are arranged in piles. The first pile consists of 10 matchsticks. Each pile
thereafter consists of 8 matchsticks more than the previous pile.

a) How many matchsticks are in the 25th pile?

b) If a pile consists of 98 matches, work out which pile it is in the sequence.
c) Work out how many matches there are in the first 40 piles.

Solutions:

a) This sequence is arithmetic. Therefore, 𝑇25 = 10 + (24)(8) = 202

There are 202 matches in the 25th pile.

b) 𝑇𝑛 = 10 + (𝑛 − 1)8 = 98
8𝑛 − 8 = 88
8𝑛 = 96
𝑛 = 12
40
c) 𝑆40 = 2 [2(10) + (40 − 1)8]
= 6640

Activity 2.9

1. On a certain day, 2 learners are found to be infected with the flu virus. Each day
thereafter, the number of new learners infected is three times the previous day’s
total.

a) Calculate how many people become infected on the 5th day.

b) If there are 1 093 learners enrolled at the school, assuming that no one is
absent, how long would it take for all the learners to become infected?
c) Calculate the total number of learners that are infected after 3 days of
school.
2. A census is done on a city and it is found that there is a population of 5000 people.
Every successive year, the population increases by a tenth of the previous year’s
total population.

a) How many people are there in the third year after the census was
completed?
b) In what year after the census did the population reach 15000?
c) How many people are found to be living in this city after 10 years?
Answers for Activities
You can use the quadratic function in
Activity 2.1 stats mode to work this out, just press:

1. a) Formula: 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑥 2 − 1
Next three terms: 24; 35; 48

b) Formula: terms 1,3 and 5 are

decreasing negative
odd numbers, terms 2,4 and 6
are increasing positive odd
numbers
Now to find 𝑐𝑛2 + 𝑏𝑛 + 𝑎 press:
Next three terms: -7; 7; -9.

c) Formula: multiplying each new The formula is n2 - 1

1
term by 2 so: 𝑇𝑛 = ( ) 2𝑛−1
64
1 1 1
Next three terms: 8 ; ;
4 2

d) Formula: Increasing
order of 3𝑛−1
You can use the exponential function in stats
Next three terms: 81; 243; 729
mode to work this out, just press:
e) Formula: adding alternatively
either a 1 or 0 after the
decimal point.
Next three terms: 0.10101;
0.010101; 0,1010101

f) Formula: Multiplying the

next term by 2𝑥𝑦 2
Next three terms:
8𝑥 5 𝑦 7 ; 16𝑥 6 𝑦 9 ; 32𝑥 7 𝑦11
To find your formula press:

So a = 0.0078125 (Go to normal mode and

1
type this in to get the fraction 128
r or b = 2
1 1
The formula is 𝑇𝑛 = 128 (2)𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑇𝑛 = 64 (2)𝑛−1
Activity 2.2

1. a) 2 5 10 17 26
3 5 7 9
2 2 2

a+b+c=2 (𝑛−1)(𝑛−2)𝑠
3a + b = 3 OR 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑇1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑓 + 2
(𝑛−1)(𝑛−2)(2)
2a = 2 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 2 + (𝑛 − 1)(3) + 2
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 2 + 3𝑛 − 3 + 𝑛2 − 3𝑛 + 2
a=1 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛2 + 1
3(1) + b = 3
b=0
1+0+c=2
c=1 Tn = n2 + 1

b) 1 2 7 16 29 46
1 5 9 13 17
4 4 4 4

a+b+c=1 (𝑛−1)(𝑛−2)𝑠
3a + b = 1 OR 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑇1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑓 + 2
(𝑛−1)(𝑛−2)(4)
2a = 4 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 1 + (𝑛 − 1)(1) + 2
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 1 + 𝑛 − 1 + 2𝑛2 − 6𝑛 + 4
a=2
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 2𝑛2 − 5𝑛 + 4
3(2) + b = 1
b=-5
2–5+c=1
c=4 Tn = 2n2 – 5n + 4

c) 3 6 12 21 33
3 6 9 12
3 3 3

3
a+b+c=3 3 (2) + 𝑏 = 3
3
3a + b = 3 b = −2
3 3
2a = 3 + −2+𝑐 = 3
2
3 3 3
a=2 c=3 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛2 − 2 𝑛 + 3
2

d) 1 3 10 22 39 61
2 7 12 17 22
5 5 5 5

5
a+b+c=1 3 (2) + 𝑏 = 2
11
3a + b = 2 b= − 2
5 11
2a = 5 − +𝑐 =1
2 2
5 5 11
a= c=4 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛2 − 𝑛+4
2 2 2
 e) 3 5 8 12 17
2 3 4 5
1 1 1

1
a+b+c=3 3 (2) + 𝑏 = 2
1
3a + b = 2 b= 2
1 1
2a = 1 + +𝑐 =3
2 2
1
a=2 c=2

1 1
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛2 + 𝑛+2
2 2

f) 2 6 11 17 24 32
4 5 6 7 8
1 1 1 1

1
a+b+c=2 3( ) + 𝑏 = 4
2
5
3a + b = 4 b=2
1 5
2a = 1 + +𝑐 =2
2 2
1 1 5
a=2 c=-1 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 2 𝑛2 + 2 𝑛 − 1

2. 3 4 7 12 19 28
1 3 5 7 9
2 2 2 2

a) 28 39 52
9 11 13
2 2

b) a+b+c=3 3(1) + b = 1
3a + b = 1 b = -2
2a = 2 1 -2 + c = 3
a=1 c=4 Tn = n2 - 2n + 4

c) T22 = (22)2 – 2(22) + 4

= 444

d) Tn = 199 = n2 – 2n + 4
0 = n2 – 2n – 195 [To find the factors go to the table mode

0 = (n – 15)(n + 13) on your calculator (press )

n = 15 or n = - 13 then type in:

N/A

∴ T15 = 199 .
Press the button and look at the factor pairs for example, do 1 and -195 add up
to -2? … No, so we look at the next pair. We continue doing this until we have found both
factors, in our example 13 and -15. Once we have our factors we can put them back into
the brackets and solve for n.
*Remember that decimals in the answer column mean that it is not a factor.

3. 2 4 9 17
2 5 8
3 3

a) 28 42 59
11 14 17
3 3

3
b) a+b+c=2 3 (2) + 𝑏 = 2
5
3a + b = 2 b = −2
3 5
2a = 3 − +𝑐 =2
2 2
3 3 5
a=2 c=3 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛2 − 2 𝑛 + 3
2

3 5
c) T13 = 2 (13)2 − (13) + 3
2
= 224
3 5
d) Tn = 612 = 2 𝑛2 − 2 𝑛 + 3
1 224 = 3n2 – 5n + 6
0 = 3n2 – 5n – 1 218
0 = (3n + 58) (n – 21)
58
n = − 3 or n = 21
N/A → because n cannot be negative or a fraction.
∴ T21 = 612

4. 10 20 36 58
10 16 22
6 6

a) Before you can find n, you need to find the formula:

a + b + c = 10 3(3) + b = 10
3a + b = 10 b=1
2a = 6 3 + 1 + c = 10
a=3 c=6 Tn = 3n2 + n + 6

206 = 3n2 + n + 6
0 = 3n2 + n – 200
0 = (3n + 25)(n – 8)
25
𝑛= −3 or n = 8
N/A ∴ The market continues for 8 days.
 b) For this question, continue the sequence until your last term (206)
10 20 36 58 86 120 160 206
10 16 22 28 34 40 46
6 6 6 6 6 6

Now add the terms:

10 + 20 + 36 + 58 + 86 + 120 + 160 + 206
= 696 chickens

c) 2 weeks = 14 days n = 14
T14 = 3 (14)2 + (14) + 6
= 608 chickens on the 14th day.

Activity 2.3

1.
a) -2; -1; 0; 1; 2;…. T100 = 97
b) 6; 5; 4; 3; 2;….. T100= -93

You can use the table function on the SHARP EL-W535SAB calculator to find
the terms in the pattern.

To do this you press then it will ask you “function?” You enter
the Tn = formula into the calculator using x in place of n. For example, in 1a. you

would press the calculator

will then ask you start? You press then step – you press

the calculator will then give you a table with X and ANS. X is your
term position and continues indefinitely and ANS gives you the term value. You
can use this function with any of the patterns and you can find any term
position by scrolling down the table - press the key.
You can also enter the position you are looking for by putting it as your start.

c) -2; 0; 2; 4; 6…. T100= 196

d) 4; 7; 10; 13; 16…. T100= 301
e) 1; 0; -1; -2; -3…. T100= -98
1 2 1 2 1
f) 43; 4 3 ; 5; 5 3 ; 5 3…… T100= 37 3

2 a) T12 = 4(12) + 1 = 49

You can find the answer to this by putting the substitution straight into your EL-

W535SAB by pressing

1 1
b) T4 = 3(4) + 2 = 12 2
 2(50)+2
c) T50 = 50
102
To put this into your EL-W535SAB you press
=
50
51
= 25

if you want the improper fraction simply press

the button, and if you press the button

again you will have your answer in decimal form.

3. a) 9; 12; 15…
∴ 𝑇15 = 3(15) + 6
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 = 51
= 9 + (𝑛 − 1)(3)
= 9 + 3𝑛 − 3 ∴ 𝑇100 = 3(100) + 6
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑛 + 6 = 306
5
b) 0; −2; −5 ….
5 5
∴ 𝑇15 = − 2 (15) + 2
5
𝑇𝑛 = 0 + (𝑛 − 1) (− 2) = −35
5 5
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = − 2 𝑛 + 2
5 5
∴ 𝑇100 = − 2 (100) + 2
1
= −247 2

c) 7 + 9𝑥; 8 + 11𝑥; 9 + 13𝑥 …

∴ 𝑇15 = 15 + 2𝑥(15) + 7𝑥 + 6
𝑇𝑛 = 7 + 9𝑥 + (𝑛 − 1)(1 + 2𝑥 ) = 15 + 30𝑥 + 7𝑥 + 6
= 7 + 9𝑥 + 𝑛 + 2𝑥𝑛 − 1 − 2𝑥 = 37𝑥 + 21
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛 + 2𝑥𝑛 + 7𝑥 + 6
∴ 𝑇100 = 100 + 2𝑥(100) + 7𝑥 + 6
= 100 + 200𝑥 + 7𝑥 + 6
= 207𝑥 + 106

d) 𝑎 = 5; 𝑑 = 7𝑥
∴ 𝑇15 = 7𝑥(15) − 7𝑥 + 5
𝑇𝑛 = 5 + (𝑛 − 1)(7𝑥 ) = 105𝑥 − 7𝑥 + 5
= 5 + 7𝑥𝑛 − 7𝑥 = 98𝑥 + 5
∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 7𝑥𝑛 − 7𝑥 + 5
∴ 𝑇100 = 7𝑥(100) − 7𝑥 + 5
= 700𝑥 − 7𝑥 + 5
= 693𝑥 + 5
 1 3 19
4. a) -2; 1; 4;… (109) b) ; − 7 ; − 14 ; … . (−19)
2

1 13
∴ 109 = −2 + (𝑛 − 1)(3) ∴ −19 = 2 + (𝑛 − 1) (− 14)
39 13
∴ 111 = 3(𝑛 − 1) ∴ − 2 = (− 14) (𝑛 − 1)
∴ 37 = 𝑛 − 1 ∴ 21 = 𝑛 − 1
∴ 𝑛 = 38 ∴ 𝑛 = 22

c) 𝑥; 2𝑥 + 3; 3𝑥 + 6; … (50𝑥 + 147)

∴ 50𝑥 + 147 = 𝑥 + (𝑛 − 1)(𝑥 + 3)

∴ 49𝑥 + 147 = (𝑥 + 3)(𝑛 − 1)
49(𝑥+3)
∴ (𝑥+3) = 𝑛 − 1
∴ 49 = 𝑛 − 1
∴ 𝑛 = 50

d) log √2 ; log 4 ; log 8√2 … . (log 223 )

1 1
∴ log 2 ; log 22 ; log 232 … . (log 223 )
2
1 1
∴ 2 log 2 ; 2 log 2 ; 3 2 log 2 … . . (23 log 2)

1 3
∴ 23 log 2 = 2 log 2 + (𝑛 − 1) (2 log 2)
1 3
∴ 22 2 log 2 = (2 log 2) (𝑛 − 1)
∴ 15 = 𝑛 − 1
∴ 𝑛 = 16

5. a) 𝑇4 = 14; 𝑇20 = 94

∴ 𝑎 + 19𝑑 = 94 𝑇𝑛 = −1 + (𝑛 − 1)(5)
𝑎 + 3𝑑 = 14 = −1 + 5𝑛 − 5
16𝑑 = 80 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 5𝑛 − 6
∴𝑑=5
∴ 𝑇14 = 5(14) − 6
∴ 𝑎 + 19(5) = 94 = 64
∴ 𝑎 = −1

∴ −1; 4; 9 …

b) 𝑇7 = 12; 𝑇33 = −40

∴ 𝑎 + 32𝑑 = −40 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = 24 + (𝑛 − 1)(−2)

𝑎 + 6𝑑 = 12 = 24 − 2𝑛 + 2
26𝑑 = −52 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = −2𝑛 + 26
∴ 𝑑 = −2
∴ 𝑇14 = −2(14) + 26
∴ 12 = 𝑎 + 6(−2) = −2
∴ 𝑎 = 24

∴ 24; 22; 20; …

 c) 𝑇5 = 2 + 3𝑥 ; 𝑑 = 1+𝑥

∴ 𝑎 + 4(1 + 𝑥) = 2 + 3𝑥 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = −2 − 𝑥 + (𝑛 − 1)(1 + 𝑥)
∴ 𝑎 + 4 + 4𝑥 = 2 + 3𝑥 = −2 − 𝑥 + 𝑛 + 𝑛𝑥 − 1 − 𝑥
∴ 𝑎 = −2 − 𝑥 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = −3 − 2𝑥 + 𝑛 + 𝑥𝑛

∴ −2 − 𝑥; −1; 𝑥… ∴ 𝑇14 = −3 − 2𝑥 + 14 + 14𝑥

= 11 + 12𝑥

d) 𝑇6 = 5𝑥 − 2; 𝑎 = −3

1
∴ −3 + 5(𝑑) = 5𝑥 − 2 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = −3 + (𝑛 − 1) (𝑥 + 5)
1 1
∴ 5𝑑 = 5𝑥 + 1 = −3 + 𝑥𝑛 − 𝑥 + 5 𝑛 − 5
1 1 1
∴𝑑 =𝑥+5 ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = −3 5 + 𝑥𝑛 − 𝑥 + 5 𝑛

4 3
∴ −3; −2 5 + 𝑥 ; −2 5 + 2𝑥; ….
1 1
∴ 𝑇14 = −3 5 + 𝑥(14) − 𝑥 + 5 (14)
2
= − 5 + 13𝑥

6. 𝑥 + 3; 2𝑥 − 2; 5𝑥 + 1; …

a) 2𝑥 − 2 − (𝑥 + 3) = 5𝑥 + 1 − (2𝑥 − 2)
2𝑥 − 2 − 𝑥 − 3 = 5𝑥 + 1 − 2𝑥 + 2
𝑥 − 5 = 3𝑥 + 3
∴ −2𝑥 = 8
∴ 𝑥 = −4

b) −4 + 3; 2(−4) − 2; 5(−4) + 1
∴ −1; −10; −19

c) ∴ 𝑇𝑛 = −1 + (𝑛 − 1)(−9)
∴ 𝑇20 = −1 + (20 − 1)(−9)
= −172

d) −64 = −1 + (𝑛 − 1)(−9)
−63 = −9(𝑛 − 1)
∴𝑛−1=7
∴𝑛=8

Activity 2.4

1.
a) T20= 6 + (19).6 = 120 b) T20= -11+(19).2 = 27
1 3
c) T20= (p+2q) + (19)(2p+q) d) T20= − 4 + (19). (4)
56
= p + 2q + 38p + 19q = 4
= 39p + 21q = 14
e) (i) T6 = 2 + 5d (ii) T20 = 2 + (19).12
62 = 2 + 5d = 230
60 = 5d
12 = d

2.a) Tn= 4n – 2
(i) T1= 4(1) – 2=2 (ii) T1 = 2
a=2 T2= 4(2) – 2 = 6
T3 = 4(3) – 2 = 10
d=4

b) Tn= 5 + 3n
(i) T1= 5 + 3(1) = 8 (ii) T1 = 8
a=8 T2 = 5 + 3(2) = 11
T3 = 5 + 3(3) = 14
d=3
1 1
c) Tn= 2n (ii) T1 = 2
1 1 1
(i) T1 = 2(1) = 2 T2= 2
(2) = 1
1 1 3
a=2 T3= 2 (3) = 2
1
d= 2

d) Tn= 6 - 2n
(i) T1= 6 – 2(1) = 4 (ii) T1 = 4
a=4 T2 = 6 – 2(2) = 2
T3 = 6 – 2(3) = 0
d = -2

3.
a) a = 2, d = 2 b) a = -3, d = 4
Tn = 2 + (n - 1).2 Tn= -3 + (n – 1).4
48 = 2 + 2n – 2 81 = -3 + 4n - 4
48 = 2n 88 = 4n
24 = n 22 = n
T24 = 48 T22= 81
1 1
c) a = 24, d = 4 d) a = a, d =(a +1)
1 1
Tn= 24 + (n – 1).(4) Tn= a + (n – 1) (a + 1)
3 1 1 1
6 4= 24 + 4n - 4 12a + 11 = a + an + n – a - 1
3 1
4 = n 12a +12 = an + n
4 4
19 1
= 4n 12(a + 1) = n(a + 1)
4
19 = n (x4) 12 = n [(a + 1)] *Divide both by
3
T19 = 64 T12= 12a + 11 (a+1).
4.
a) T8= a + 7d = 22 (1) b) T11= a + 10d = -28 (1)
T17= a + 16d = 49 (2) T30= a + 29d = -104 (2)
Subtract (1) from (2): Subtract (1) from (2):
9d = 27 19d = -76
d=3 d = -4
Substitute d = 3, into (1): Substitute d = -4, into (1):
22 = a + 7(3) -28 = a + 10(-4)
1=a 12 = a
T1= 1, T2= 4, T3= 7 T1= 12, T2= 8, T3= 4
T25= 1 + 24.3 = 73 T25= 12 + 24.-4 = -84

c) T6= a + 5d = 10 (1) d) T4= a + 3d = 7x + 10 (1)

1
T21= a + 20d = 142 (2) T15= a + 14d = 29x + 43 (2)
Subtract (1) from (2): Subtract (1) from (2):
9
15d = 2 11d = 22x + 33
3
d= 11d = 11(2x + 3)
10
3
Substitute d = 10 into (1): d = 2x + 3
3
10 = a + 5(10) Substitute d = 2x + 3 into (1):
3
10 − = a 7x +10 = a + 3(2x + 3)
2
17
=a 7x + 10 = a + 6x + 9
2
17 44 91
T1= , T2 = , T3 = 10 x+1=a
2 5
17 3
T25= + 24.(10) T1= x + 1, T2= 3x + 4, T3= 5x + 7
2
157
= T25 = x + 1 + 24.(2x + 3)
10
= x + 1 + 48x + 72
= 49x + 73

Activity 2.5

1.
1 𝑇 2 𝑇 2
a) 𝑎= and 𝑇2 = and 𝑇3 = therefore this is a geometric sequence as there is a
4 1 5 2 5
2 2 4 8
common ratio of 5. T4 = 125 𝑇5 = ; 𝑇6 =
625 3125

𝑇 𝑇3
b) a = 3 and 𝑇2 = 4, = 4 therefore this is a geometric sequence as there is a
1 𝑇2
common ratio of 4. T4 = 192, T5 = 768, T6 = 3072

c) a = -7 and T2 – T1 = -3, T3 – T2 = -3 therefore this is an arithmetic sequence as

there is a common difference of -3. T4 = -16, T5 = -19, T6 = -22

d) a = 5 and T2 – T1 = 4, T3 – T2 = 4 therefore this is a arithmetic sequence as there is

a common difference of 4. T4 = 17, T5 = 21, T6 = 25.
 3 𝑇 3 𝑇 3
e) 𝑎 = − 4 and 𝑇2 = 2, 𝑇3 = 2, therefore this is a geometric sequence as there is a
1 2
3 81 243 729
common ratio of 2. 𝑇4 = − 32 ; 𝑇5 = − , and 𝑇6 = − 128
64

2 1 1
f) 𝑎= and T2 – T1 = 2, T3 – T2 = 2 , therefore this is an arithmetic sequence as there
7
1 25 16 39
is a common difference of 2. 𝑇4 = ; 𝑇5 = ; 𝑇6 = .
14 7 14

2.
1 1
a) 𝑇12 = 𝑎𝑟 11 = b) 𝑇12 = 𝑎𝑟 11 = −88 573 2
1024
11 1 1 11 −177 147
You can solve this by pressing 2𝑟 = 𝑟 =
1024 2 2
1
these buttons on your SHARP 𝑟 11 = 𝑟 11
= −177 147
2048
EL-W535SAB calculator:
11 1 11
𝑟= √ 𝑟 = √−177 147
2048
1
𝑟= 𝑟 = −3
2

1 20 1
𝑇21 = 2. (2) 𝑇21 = . (−3)20
2
1
𝑇21 = 𝑇21 = 1 743 392 201
524 288

Again, you can plug this straight into your SHARP EL-
W535SAB calculator by pressing:

177 147
c) 𝑇12 = 𝑎𝑟 11 = 8192𝑥12 d) 𝑇12 = 𝑎𝑟 11 = 256
11 12 11 177 147
4𝑥𝑟 = 8192𝑥 8𝑟 = 256
11 11 177 147
𝑟 11 = 2048𝑥11 √𝑟 11 = √ 2048
11 11 3
√𝑟 11= √(2048𝑥11 ) 𝑟= 2
𝑟 = 2𝑥

3 20
𝑇21 = 4𝑥(2𝑥)20 𝑇21 = 8. (2)
𝑇21 = 4 194 304𝑥 21 𝑇21 = 26 602. 05384
3.
a) 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 b) 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 1
1 • (2)𝑛−1 = 32 768 3280 2 = 2 (3)𝑛−1
log 2 32 768 = 𝑛 − 1 6561 = (3)𝑛−1
𝑛 − 1 = 15 log 3 6 561 = 𝑛 − 1
𝑛 = 16 𝑛−1=8
𝑛=9
Remember from logs that you can change an
exponential equation into a log equation in order to
find the exponential unknown. Press the following
sequence of keys to get the answer:

c) 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 d) 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 1 1
4 096 = 16 (2)𝑛−1 = 8(4)𝑛−1
32
1 1
65 536 = (2)𝑛−1 = (4)𝑛−1
256
1
log 2 65 536 = 𝑛 − 1 log 1 256 = 𝑛 − 1
4
𝑛 − 1 = 16 𝑛−1 =4
𝑛 = 17 𝑛= 5

4.
a) 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 b) 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇5 = 2𝑟 4 = 32 𝑇7 = 𝑟 6 = 729
6 6
𝑟 4 = 16 √𝑟 6 = √729
4 4
√𝑟 4 = √16 𝑟=3
𝑟=2

c) 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 d) 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 5
𝑇6 = 3 𝑟 5 = 2 592 𝑇9 = −5𝑟 8 = − 256
1
𝑟 5 = 7 776 𝑟8 = 256
5 5 8 8 1
√𝑟 5 = √7 776 √𝑟 8 = √256
1
∴𝑟=6 ∴ 𝑟 = ±2
*remember we are not sure of the sign
because the root is even so both answers
are possible.
 𝑇2 𝑇3
5. 𝑇1 = (𝑝 + 2) =
𝑇1 𝑇2
𝑝−2 𝑝
𝑇2 = (𝑝 − 2) =
𝑝+2 𝑝−2
𝑇3 = 𝑝 𝑝(𝑝 + 2) = (𝑝 − 2)(𝑝 − 2)
𝑝2 + 2𝑝 = 𝑝2 − 4𝑝 + 4
6p = 4
2
𝑝 = 3 = 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 3

∴ 𝑇1 = 𝑝 + 2 ∴ 𝑇2 = 𝑝 − 2
2 2
= 3+2 = 3−2
8 4
=3 = −3

Activity 2.6

1.
a) 𝑇𝑛 = −2𝑛 → 𝑇1 = −2(1) 𝑇2 = −2(2) 𝑇3 = −2(3)
= −2 = −4 = −6
3
∴ 𝑆3 = [2(−2) + (3 − 1)(−2)]
2
3
= 2 [−8]
= −12

b) 𝑇𝑛 = 4 − 𝑛 → 𝑇1 = 4 − 1 𝑇2 = 4 − 2 𝑇3 = 4 − 3
=3 =2 =1
3
∴ 𝑆3 = [2(3) + (3 − 1)(−1)]
2
3
= 2 [4]
=6

2. 𝑇𝑛 = 2𝑛 + 3 ∴ 𝑇1 = 2(1) + 3 𝑇2 = 2(2) + 3
=5 =7
𝑇3 = 2(3) + 3 = 9 ∴ 𝑎 = 5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑 = 2
10
𝑆10 = 2 [2(5) + (10 − 1)(2)]
= 140

3. 𝑆10 = 120 𝑆11 = 144

∴ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑇11 𝑖𝑠
𝑆11 − 𝑆10 = 144 − 120
= 24

4. 𝑆𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 𝑛

𝑆1 = 3(1)2 + 1 = 4 𝑇1 = 𝑆1 = 4
𝑆2 = 3(2)2 + 2 = 14 𝑇2 = 𝑆2 − 𝑆1 = 14 − 4 = 10
𝑆3 = 3(3)2 + 3 = 30 𝑇3 = 𝑆3 − 𝑆2 = 30 − 14 = 16
𝑆4 = 3(4)2 + 4 = 52 𝑇4 = 𝑆4 − 𝑆3 = 52 − 30 = 22
𝑆5 = 3(5)2 + 5 = 80 𝑇5 = 𝑆5 − 𝑆4 = 80 − 52 = 28
 There is a common difference of 6, therefore this is an arithmetic
sequence.

5.
a) 𝑎 = 3, 𝑑=3 𝑇𝑛 = 36 = 3 + (𝑛 − 1)(3)
36 = 3 + 3𝑛 − 3
3𝑛 = 36
∴ 𝑛 = 12
12
𝑆12 = [2(3) + (12 − 1)(3)]
2
= 6[39]
= 234

1 1
b) 𝑎 = 2, 𝑑= 𝑇𝑛 = 10 = 2 + (𝑛 − 1) (2)
2
1 1
10 = 2 + 𝑛−
2 2
1 17
𝑛= 2
2
𝑛 = 17
17 1
𝑆17 = [2(2) + (17 − 1) (2)]
2
17
= 2 [12]
= 102

1 1
c) 𝑎 = 7, 𝑑 = −4 𝑇𝑛 = 3.75 = 7 + (𝑛 − 1) (− 4)
1 1
3.75 = 7 − 4 𝑛 + 4
15 29 𝑛
= −4
4 4
14 𝑛
− = −
4 4
𝑛 = 14
14 1
𝑆14 = [2(7) + (14 − 1) (− 4)]
2
3
= 7 [10 4]
1
= 75 4

3
6. 𝑆𝑛 = 45, 𝑇2 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇5 = 3
2

3
∴ 2 = 𝑎 + 𝑑 …… 1
3 = 𝑎 + 4𝑑 …… 2

Equation 2 – Equation 1:
3
= 3𝑑
2
1
∴𝑑= Substitute into Equation 1
2

3 1
∴2=𝑎+ 2
∴𝑎=1
 𝑛 1
∴ 𝑆𝑛 = 45 = [2(1) + (𝑛 − 1) (2)]
2
1 1
90 = 𝑛 [2 + 𝑛− ]
2 2
1 2 1
90 = 2𝑛 + 2 𝑛 − 2 𝑛
∴ 0 = 𝑛2 + 3𝑛 − 180
∴ 0 = (𝑛 + 15)(𝑛 − 12)
∴ 𝑛 = −15 𝑜𝑟 𝑛 = 12
A term position can never be negative ∴ 𝑛 = 12

7. 𝑇8 − 𝑇5 = 15
∴ 𝑎 + 7𝑑 − (𝑎 + 4𝑑) = 15
∴ 3𝑑 = 15
∴𝑑=5
6
∴ 𝑆6 = 159 = 2 [2𝑎 + (6 − 1)(5)]
159 = 3[2𝑎 + 25]
53 = 2𝑎 + 25
10
2𝑎 = 28 ∴ 𝑆10 = 2 [2(14) + (10 − 1)(5)]
∴ 𝑎 = 14 ∴ 𝑆10 = 5[73]
∴ 𝑆10 = 365

1 10
8(( ) −1)
2
8. a) 𝑆10 = 1
−1
2
63
= 15 64

2((−2)6 −1)
b) 𝑆6 =
−2−1
126
= −3
= −42

1 1 8
(( ) −1)
3 3
c) 𝑆8 = 1
−1
3
3280
= 6561

9.
3
a) 𝑇1 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇7 = 64
3
∴ 𝑎 = 3 Substitute into : 𝑇7 = = 𝑎𝑟 6
64
3
3𝑟 6 = 64
1
∴ 𝑟6 = 64

1
√𝑟 6 = 6√ 1
6
∴ 𝑟 = ±2
64
1 10 1 10
3(( ) −1) 3((− ) −1)
2 2
𝑆10 = 1 OR 𝑆10 = 1
−1 − −1
2 2
509 511
= 5 512 = 1 512
 b) 𝑇1 = 2, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇8 = 4 374
∴ 𝑎 = 2 Substitute into: 𝑇8 = 4 374 = 𝑎𝑟 7
4 374 = 2𝑟 7
∴ 𝑟 7 = 2 187
7
√𝑟 7 = 7√2187
∴𝑟=3
2(315 −1)
𝑆15 = *the power of the root is odd so the sign is
3−1

= 14 348 906 only positive.

𝑎(26 −1)
10. 𝑆6 = 504 = 2−1
504 = 63𝑎
∴𝑎 =8
∴ 𝑇1 = 8

Activity 2.7

1.
a) Geometric sequence: a = -2, r = 3.
−2(36 −1)
𝑆8 = 3−1
∴ 𝑆8 = −6 560

b) Arithmetic sequence: a = 3, d = 3.
8
𝑆8 = [2(3) + (8 − 1)(3)]
2
∴ 𝑆8 = 4[27]
∴ 𝑆8 = 108

1
c) Geometric sequence : a = 2, r = 2.
1 8
(2 −1)
2
𝑆8 = 2−1
1
∴ 𝑆8 = 127 2

d) Arithmetic sequence: a = 16, d = -4.

8
𝑆8 = 2 [2(16) + (8 − 1)(−4)]
∴ 𝑆8 = 4[4]
∴ 𝑆8 = 16
2.
a) Geometric seq with b) Arithmetic seq with
1
a = 2 and r = 3 a = 5 and d = 2
1 𝑛
1 (3 −1) 𝑛
2
4920 2 = 285 = [2(5) + (𝑛 − 1)(2)]
3−1 2
1
9841 = (3𝑛 − 1) 570 = 𝑛[10 + 2𝑛 − 2]
2

19 682 = 3𝑛 − 1 570 = 8𝑛 + 2𝑛2

19 683 = 3𝑛 0 = 𝑛2 + 4𝑛 − 285
log 3 19 683 = 𝑛 0 = (𝑛 + 19)(𝑛 − 15)
𝑛=9 ∴ 𝑛 = 15 ; 𝑛 ≠ −19

n can never be negative therefore n is only equal to 15.

c) Geometric seq with a = 5 and r = 3

5( 3𝑛 −1)
16 400 = 3−1
32 800 = 5(3𝑛 − 1)
6 560 = 3𝑛 − 1
6 561 = 3𝑛
log 3 6 561 = 𝑛
𝑛=8

3.
1 5(3) 1 1
a) a = 2 and r = 4 b) 𝑎= = 7 2 and d = 2 2, no of terms = 8-3+1= 6
2
1 5𝑛
∑5𝑛=1 ( ) (4)𝑛−1 ∑8𝑛=3
2 2
1 5
(4 −1) 6 1 1
2
∴ 𝑆5 = ∴ 𝑆6 = [2 (7 2) + (6 − 1) (2 2)]
4−1 2
1 1
∴ 𝑆5 = 170 2 ∴ 𝑆6 = 3 [27 2]
1
∴ 𝑆6 = 82 2

1
c) a = 36 and d = 6, k = 13 d) a = 2, r = 2, k = 5
1 𝑛−1
∑18
𝑛=6 3 ∙ 2𝑛 ∑6𝑛=2(4) ( )
2
1 5
13 2(( ) −1)
2
∴ 𝑆13 = [2(36) + (13 − 1)(6)] ∴ 𝑆5 = 1
2 −1
2
13 7
∴ 𝑆13 = [144] ∴ 𝑆5 = 3 8
2
∴ 𝑆13 = 936

4.
𝑛 𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 −1)
a) 𝑆𝑛 = [2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑] b) 𝑆𝑛 =
2 𝑟−1
𝑛 3(2𝑛 −1)
∴ 182 = [2(8) + (𝑛 − 1)(6)] ∴ 3 069 =
2 2−1
∴ 364 = 𝑛[16 + 6𝑛 − 6] ∴ 3 069 = 3(2𝑛 − 1)
 ∴ 0 = 16𝑛 + 6𝑛2 − 6𝑛 − 364 ∴ 1 023 = 2𝑛 − 1
∴ 0 = 6𝑛2 + 10𝑛 − 364 ∴ 1024 = 2𝑛
∴ 0 = 3𝑛2 + 5𝑛 − 182 ∴ log 2 1024 = 𝑛
∴ 0 = (3𝑛 + 26)(𝑛 − 7) ∴ 𝑛 = 10
26
∴𝑛≠ − or 𝑛 = 7 as it needs to be positive.
3
n also needs to be a whole number i.e. not a fraction

5.
a) ∑100
𝑛=1(3𝑛 − 5) Arithmetic series with:
T1 = -2, T2 = 1, T3 = 4, therefore a = -2 and d =3
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = [2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
2
100
∴ 𝑆100 = [2(−2) + (100 − 1)(3)]
2
∴ 𝑆100 = 50[293]
∴ 𝑆100 = 14 650

1
b) ∑150
𝑛=1 (2) (3)
𝑛−1
Geometric series with:
1 3 9 1
𝑇1 = 2; 𝑇2 = ; 𝑇3 = , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑎 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟 = 3
2 2 2

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 −1)
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑟−1
1
(3150 −1)
∴ 𝑆150 = 2 3−1
∴ 𝑆150 = 9.25 ×1070

6.
a) a = -1, r = 3, therefore this is a geometric sequence.

∑𝑘𝑛=1(−1)(3)𝑛−1

1
b) a = 2, r = 2, therefore this is a geometric sequence.

1 𝑛−1
∑𝑘𝑛=1(2) ( )
2

Activity 2.8

1.
1 1
a) 𝑎 = 2, 𝑟= b) 𝑎 = 5.25, 𝑟 =
3 100
𝑎 𝑎
𝑆∞ = 𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟 1−𝑟
2 5.25
𝑆∞ = 1 𝑆∞ = 1
1− 1−
3 100
10
𝑆∞ = 3 𝑆∞ = 5 33
 1 1
c) 𝑎 = 1, 𝑟= d) 𝑎 = 1, 𝑟 = −2
3
𝑎 𝑎
𝑆∞ = 𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟 1−𝑟
1 1
𝑆∞ = 1 𝑆∞ = 1
1− 1−(− )
3 2
1 2
𝑆∞ = 1 2 𝑆∞ = 3

2 4 8
2. 𝑇1 = 3 𝑇2 = 3 𝑇3 = 3
2
∴𝑎=3 and 𝑟 = 2
∴ There is no sum to infinity because r > 1.
𝑎 𝑎
3. 𝑆∞ = 4. 𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟 1−𝑟
3 7 𝑎
∴ 15 = ∴ = 1
1−𝑟 16 1−
8
3 7 7
∴ 1−𝑟 = ∴𝑎= ×
15 16 8
4 49
∴𝑟= ∴𝑎=
5 128

3
5. 𝑎 = 2, 𝑟= 5
𝑎
𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟
2
∴ 𝑆∞ = 3 Therefore he can climb 5km before the incline is too steep
1−
5
∴ 𝑆∞ = 5 and he will have to use climbing equipment.

Activity 2.9

1.
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 −1)
a) 𝑎 = 2, 𝑟 = 3 b) 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑟−1
2(3𝑛 −1)
𝑇5 = (2)(3)4 1 093 = 3−1
𝑇5 = 162 2 186 = 3𝑛 − 1
2 187 = 3𝑛
log 3 2187 = 𝑛
2(33 −1)
c) 𝑆3 = 3−1 𝑛=7
𝑆3 = 26 learners are affected after 3 days
2.
11 2 1 11 10−1
a) 𝑇3 = (5000) (10) ∗ 𝑟 = (1 + 10) c) 𝑇10 = 5000 (10)
𝑇3 = 6050 𝑇10 = 11 789.7
∴ 𝑇10 = 11 790
You can’t get 0.7 of a person so you
will have to round off – remember to
round up and not down.
 11 𝑛−1
b) 𝑇𝑛 = 15 000 = (5000) (10)
11 𝑛−1
∴ 3 = (10)
11 11
log 11 3 = 𝑛 − 1 Check: 𝑇12 = 5000 (10)
10
𝑛 − 1 = 11.5 = 14 265.58
11 12
𝑛 = 12.5 𝑇13 = 5000 (10)
= 15 692.14

Therefore the population will reach 15 000 in the 12th year.