TOPIC 6: SERIES

Sequences

A list of numbers written in a definite order, with a simple rule by which the terms
are obtained is called a sequence

For example

1,3,5,7………………………., the simple rule is “add two’’ to get the next term.

Example 1

Write down the next two terms in each of the following sequences.

(a) 1, 2, 4, 8, 16…………
1 2 3 4
(b) , , , … … … … …
2 3 4 5
(c) 1, 2, 6, 24, 120 … … … …
(d) 4, 2, 0, −2 … … … … …

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

(a) 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64,…………….

We obtain the next terms by doubling the pervious term.
1 2 3 4 5 6
(b) , , , , , ,………………..
2 3 4 5 6 7
n
To obtain the next term use ,
n+1
where n = 1,2,3,4, … … … … … . n represents the number of terms.

(c) 1, 2, 6, 24, 120, 720, 5040, . To get the next term multiply previous
term by n+1, where n=1,2,3,4,…………..
(d) 4, 2, 0, -2, -4, -6 ………………………
To get the next term subtract two from the previous term.

Series

The expression obtained by writing the terms of a sequence as a sum is called a

series.
Consider the sequence

1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, the sum 1+3+5+7+9+11+13+15+19 is called a

series. This series has a finite number of terms, that is ten terms, it is called a finite
series.

However, if the series does not end then it is called an infinite series.

Arithmetical progressions (A.P)

A series, where the next term may be obtained by adding a certain number to the
pervious term, is called an Arithmetical progression (A.P).

This number added to the pervious term to get the next term is called the common
difference, denoted by d

Example 2

Find the fourth, ninth, twentieth and nth terms of the A.P with first term 4 and
common difference 3.

Solution

Common difference = d = 3

First term =4

Therefore, second term =4+3=7

Third term = 7 + 3 = 10

= (4+3) + 3 =10

= 4 + (3x2)

Fourth term =10 + 3

= 4 + (3x2) +3

= 4 + (3x3)

Note that, 4th term = 4 + 3 x (4-1)

 3rd term = 4 + 3 x (3-1)

Also 2nd term = 4 + 3 x (2-1)

1st term = 4 + 3 x (1-1)

Therefore, 9th term = 4 + 3 x (9-1)

= 4 + (3x8) = 28

20th term = 4 + 3 (20-1)

= 4 + (3 x 19)

= 61

Nth term = 4 + 3(n-1)

= 4 + 3n - 3

= 3n + 1

Note that any term can be obtained using the expression for the nth term.

For example, to get the first term put n=1, to get third, ninth and 20 th put n = 3, 9
and 20 respectively.

Examples 3

Find the sum of the first eighteen terms of the A.P 4 + 10 + …………

Solution

This first term = 4 and common difference = 6.

The eighteenth term = 4 + 6(18-1)

= 4 + (6x17)

= 106

Let S18 = sum of the first eighteen terms

S18 = 4 + 10 + ……….. + 106

 Also S18 =106 + 100 + ……… + 4

2S18=110 + 110 +………+ 110

= 110 x18
110 𝑋 18
∴ S18 = = 990.
2

Exercise 1

1. Write down the next two terms in each of the following sequences:
(a) 2, 5, 8, 11, …….. (b) 13, 23, 33, 43…………….
1 1 1 1 2 3 4
(c) , , , , … … .. (𝑑) 1, , , ………………
3 6 12 24 3 9 27

(e) 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, …… (f) 1, -1, 1, -1, …………

2. Which of the following series are A.Ps? Write down the common difference of
those that are.

(𝑎) − 2, −5, −8, −11 (𝑏) 1 + 1.1 + 1.2 + 1.3,

1 5 7 3
(c) 12+22+32+42, (d) + + +
2 6 6 2

1 1 1 1 3 1
(𝑒) 1 + + + (𝑓) 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 ,
2 3 8 4 8 2
(𝑔) 𝑛 + 2𝑛 + 3𝑛 (ℎ) 1 + 1.1 + 1.11 + 1.111,

3. Write down the terms indicated in each of the following A. P. s

1
(a) 7 + 6 + ⋯ … … … . .40𝑡ℎ, 𝑛𝑡ℎ
2

(𝑏) 3 + 7 + ⋯ … … … … ,90𝑡ℎ, (𝑛 + 1)𝑡ℎ

(𝑐) 8 + 5 + ⋯ … … . .14𝑡ℎ , 30𝑡ℎ

(𝑑) 50 + 48 + ⋯ … . .100𝑡ℎ, 𝑛𝑡ℎ

1 7
(e) + + ⋯ … … … .10𝑡ℎ, 𝑛𝑡ℎ
4 8
4. Find the number of terms in the following A. Ps

(a) 2 + 4 + 6 + ⋯ … … 46, (𝑏) 50 + 47 + 44 + ⋯ . . +14,

(𝑐) 2.7 + 3.2 + ⋯ … . . +17.7 (𝑑) 2 − 9 … … … … . −130,

(𝑒) 𝑥 + 2𝑥 + ⋯ … … . +𝑛𝑥, (𝑓) 2 + 4 + ⋯ … … 4𝑛.

5. Find the sums of the following A. Ps

(a) 1 + 3 + 5 + ⋯ … … . +101 (𝑏) 71 + 67 + 63 … … … − 53

(c) −10 − 7 − 4 + − − +50, (𝑑) 𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 5𝑥 + − − − + 21𝑥

(𝑒) 𝑎 + (𝑎 + 1) + − − − − +(𝑎 + 𝑛 − 1),

(𝑓) 𝑎 + (𝑎 + 𝑑) + − − + {𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑}

6. The second term of an A. P is 15, and the fifth is 21. Find the common difference,

the first term and the sum of the first ten terms.

7. The fourth term of an A.P is 18, and the common difference is -5. Find the first
term and the sum of the first sixteen terms

8. Find the difference between the sums of the first ten terms of the A.P.s whose
first terms are 12 and 8, and whose common differences are respectively 2 and 3

9. Find the sum of the odd numbers between 1000 and 2000

10. An A.P has thirteen terms whose sum is 143. The third term is 5. Find the first
term and the sum of the first thirty terms,

Geometrical progressions

A series, where the ratio of a term to the pervious one is a constant, is called a
geometrical progression (G.P)

The constant ratio is called the common ratio, denoted by r.

For example, in the series

3 + 6 + 12 + 24 + --------, the common ratio is 2.

For this G.P, the 2nd term = 3 x 21 = 3 x 22-1

3rd term = 3 x 22 = 3 x 23-1

4th term = 3 x 24-1

10th term = 3 x 210 - 1

Therefore, nth term = 3 x 2n-1

Example 4

Find the fourth, twelveth, twenty-first and nth terms of the G.P, which begins

5 + 10 + ------

Solution

First term = 5
10
Common ratio, r = =2
5

Fourth term = 5x24-1

= 5x23 = 40

Twelveth term = 5 x 2 12-1

5 x 211 = 10,240

Twenty first term = 5x221-1 = 5x220 = 5,242,880

nth term = 5 x 2n-1

Example 5

Find the sum of the first ten terms of the geometrical progression

1 + 3 + 9 + ----------
Solution

Let S10 be the sum of the first ten terms of the G.P

The 10th term = 1 x 310-1

= 39

S10 = 1 + 3 + 9 + ------------ + 39

3S10 = 3 + 9 +………........... + 39 + 310

3S10 - S10 = 310—1

2S10 = 310 - 1
1
∴ S10 = (310 − 1 )
2

=29,524

𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝟐

1. Find the sums of the following G.P.S as far as the terms indicated. Simplify, but
do not evaluate, your answers.
2
(a) 15 + 5 + 1 +. . . ,20th term, (b) 1 − 2 + 4−. . .5oth term
3

1 1 1 1 1
(c) + + + ⋯ 13th term, (d) 1 − + … , nth term
2 4 8 3 9
2. The first term of a G. P is 10 and the fith is 80. Find the common ratio,

the first term and thesum of the first six terms.

3. The third term of a geometrical progressio is 2, and the fifth is 18.

Find two possible values of the common ratio, and the second term in each case.

4. the three numbers, n − 2, n, n + 3 are comsecutive terms of a G. P.

Find n and the term after n + 3,

5. Find the ratio of the sum of the first 10 terms of the series
log 𝑥 + log 𝑥 2 + log 𝑥 4 + log 𝑥 8 + ⋯ to the first term.

Formulae for the sums of A.Ps and G.Ps

(a) Consider an A.P with first term, a, and common difference, d.

(b) Let the last term (nth term) be ℓ
ℓ = a + (n − 10d.
𝑆𝑛 = a + (a + d) + (a + 2d) + − − +(ℓ − d) + ℓ
𝑆𝑛 = ℓ + ( ℓ − d) + (ℓ − 2d) + − + (a + d) + a
Adding
2𝑆𝑛 = (a + ℓ) + (a + ℓ) + (a + ℓ) + − ∓ (a + ℓ) + (a + ℓ)
= n(a + ℓ)
n
∴ 𝑆𝑛 = ( a + ℓ )
2
substituting ℓ = a + (n − 1)d, we get,
n
𝑆𝑛 = [a + a + (n − 1)d]
2
n
∴ 𝑆𝑛 = {2a + (n − 1)d}
2

(b)Consider a G. P, with first term, a, and common ratio r.

The nth term = a𝑟 𝑛−1

Therefore,

𝑆𝑛 = a + ar + a𝑟 2 + − − +a𝑟 𝑛−2 + a𝑟 𝑛−1

r𝑆𝑛 = ar + a𝑟 2 + − − − − − + a𝑟 𝑛−1 + a𝑟 𝑛

subtracting,

r 𝑆𝑛 − 𝑆𝑛 = a𝑟 𝑛 − a

(r − 1)𝑆𝑛 = a(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
a(𝑟𝑛 − 1)
∴ 𝑆𝑛 = − − − ( 1)
( r − 1)

If we multipy numerator and denominator of equation (1) by − 1 we get

 a(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 = − − − (2)
1−r
formula (1)is converient if r > 1 and formula 2 is converient if r < 1.

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝟔

In an A. P, the sum of the first five terms is 30, and the third term is equal to the

sum of the first two. Write down the first five terms of the progresssion.

Solution

Let a and d be the first term and common difference respectively.

𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = [2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
2
5
𝑆5 = [2𝑎 + (5 − 1)𝑑]
2
𝑆5 = 5a +10d

∴ 5a + 10d = 30

∴ a + 2d = 6..................................(1)

Also 3rd term = 1st +2rd term

a+2d = a + a + d

∴ a = d……………….(2)

Subtitute for a in (1)

𝑑 + 2𝑑 = 6
∴ 3𝑑 = 6
∴ d=2

and a = 2

Therefore, the first five terms of the A.P are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.

Example 7

In a G.P, the sum of the second and third terms is 9, and the seventh term is eight
times the fourth. Find the first term, the common ratio, and the fifth term.

Solution

Let the first term and common ratio be a and r respectively,

2nd term + 3rd term = 9

∴ ar + ar2 = 9………………(1)

7th term = 8 x 4th term

ar6= 8ar3 …………………..(2)

From equation (2)

ar6 - 8ar3 = 0

𝑎𝑟3(𝑟3 − 8) = 0
∴ 𝑟 = 2, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟3 # 0
𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑟 𝑖𝑛 (1)

2𝑎 + 4𝑎 = 9

6𝑎 = 9
9 3
∴ 𝑎= =
6 2
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 5𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 = 𝑎𝑟4
3
= 𝑥 24
2

= 24

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝟖

The second , fourth and eighth terms of an A. P are geometricial prgression, and
the sum of the third and fifth terms is 20. Find the first four terms of

the progression.

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Let the first term and common difference of the A. P be a and d respectively

The second term = a + d

4th term = a + 3d

8th term = a+7d

The three form a G.P

(𝑎 + 3𝑑) 𝑎 + 7𝑑
∴ =
( 𝑎 + 𝑑) 𝑎 + 3𝑑
(a + 3d)2 = (a + d) (a+7d)

a2 + 6ad + 9d2 = a2 + 7ad + ad + 7d2

∴ 2d2 - 2ad = 0

∴ 2d(d-a) = 0

But d #0, therefore

a = d………………………(1)

also, 3rd term + 5th term =20

a+ 2d + a + 4d = 20

2a + 6d = 20

∴ a + 3d = 10……………………(2)

Substitute for a in (2)

d + 3d = 10

4d = 10
 1 1
𝑑=2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = 2
2 2
1 1
Therefore the first four terms are 2 , 5, 7 , 10.
2 2

Arithmetic and geometric means.

If three numbers a, b, and c are in arithmetical progression, b is called the

arithmetic mean of a and c.

The common difference = b-a or c-b

Therefore,

b–a=c–b

∴ 2b = a+ c

(𝑎+𝑐)
b=
2

This is the average of a and c.

If, however, a, b and c are in geometrical progression, b is called the geometric

mean.
𝑏 𝑐
The common ratio = 𝑜𝑟
𝑎 𝑏

𝑏 𝑐
∴ =
𝑎 𝑏
𝑏 2 = 𝑎𝑐

∴ 𝑏 = √𝑎𝑐

Therefore the geometric mean of a and c is √𝑎𝑐 .

The harmonic mean.

The reciprocal of the harmonic means of two numbers is the arithmetic means of
their reciprocals.
 1 1
1 +
𝑎 𝑏
Therefore, if h is harmonic mean of a and b, ( )
ℎ 2

2𝑎𝑏
∴ℎ=
𝑎+𝑏

Exercise 3

1. The fifth term of an A.P is 17 and the third term is 11. Find the sum of the
first seven terms.
2. The fourth of a G.P is -6 and the seventh term is 48. Write down the first
three terms of the progression.
3. The sum of the second and fourth terms of an A.P is 15, and the sum of the
fifth and sixth terms is 25. Find the first term and the common difference.
4. The fourth term of an A.P is 15, and the sum of the first five terms is 55.
Find the first term and common difference, and write down the first five
terms.
5. Find how many terms of the G.P 1+3+9+………… are required to make a
total of more than a million.
6. The sum of n terms of a certain series is 4n-1 for all values of n. Find the first
three terms and the nth term, and show that that the series is a geometrical
progression.
7. (a) Find (i) the arithmetical mean, (ii) the geometric mean 4 and 64.
(b) Find the harmonic mean of 10 and 30

Proof by induction
In proof by induction, it is shown that if the result holds for some particular
value of n, say k, then it also holds for n = k+1.
It is then verified that the result does hold for some value of n, usually 1 or
2.
Example 9
Prove by induction that
1
12 + 22 + ……. + n2 = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(2𝑛 + 1)
6
Solution
1
12 + 22 + ….. + n2 = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(2𝑛 + 1)
6
 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑛, 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑘, 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠,
1
12 + 22 + ….. + k2 = 𝑘(𝑘 + 1)(2𝑘 + 1)
6
Adding the next term of the series, (k+1)2, to both sides, we obtain
1
12 +22 +……+ k2 + (k+1)2 = 𝑘(𝑘 + 1)(2𝑘 + 1) + (𝑘 + 1)2
6
1
= (𝑘 + 1)[𝑘 (2𝑘 + 1) + 6 (𝑘 + 1)]
6

1
= (𝑘 + 1) (2k2 + k + 6k +6)
6

1
= (𝑘 + 1)(2k2 + 7k + 6)
6

1
= (𝑘 + 1)(2k2 + 4k + 3k + 6)
6

1
= (𝑘 + 1)((2k (k+2) +3(k+2) )
6

1
= (𝑘 + 1)(𝑘 + 2)(2𝑘 + 3)
6

1
= (𝑘 + 1)[(𝑘 + 1) + 1][2(𝑘 + 1) + 1]
6

This is the formula with n = k+1. Therefore, if the result holds for n = k, then it
also holds for n = k+1

If n = 1

L.H.S = 12 =1
1
R. H. S = x2x3= 1
6
L.H.S = R.H.S, therefore the result is true for n = 1

If n = 2,

L.H. S = 12 + 22 = 5
1
R. H. S = x2x3x5=5
6
L.H.S = R.H.S, therefore the result is true for n=2
Therefore, since the result is true for n =1, n = 2, ……………., n = k and n = k+1,
it follows by induction, that the result is true for all positive integral values of n.

Example 10

Prove by induction that 32𝑛 -1 is divisible by 8 for all positive values of n

Solution

Let f(n) = 32𝑛 -1

If n = 1,

f(1) =32 -1 = 9-1

=8=8x1

This is a multiple of 8. Therefore, result is divisible by 8

If n = 2,

f(2) = 34 -1 = 81-1

= 80 = 8 x 10

A multiple of 8. Therefore, result is divisible by 8

Suppose 32n -1 is divisible by 8 for n = k,

Let f(k) = 8p, a multiple of 8 i.e. 32k -1 = 8p

f(k+1) - f(k) = 32(k+1) – 1 – (32k -1)

= 32k+2 – 1 - 32k +1

= 32k+2 - 32k

= 32k (32-1)

f(k+1) - f(k) = 8(32k)

But f(k) = 8p

∴ f(k+1) = 8p + 8(32k)
 = 8(p+32k)

This is a multiple of 8.

Therefore, f (k+1) is divisible by 8.

Since 32n-1 is divisible by 8 for n = 1, 2, ……, k and k+1, by induction it is

divisible by 8 for all positive integral values of n.

Exercise 4

Prove the following results by induction:

1
1. 13 +23 +……..𝑛3 = 𝑛2 (𝑛 + 1)2
4
1
2. 3 + 8 + − − − + (𝑛2 − 1) = 𝑛 (𝑛 − 1)(2𝑛 + 5)
6
1
3. 1 x 3 + 2 x 4 +………+ n (n+2) = 𝑛 (𝑛 + 1)(2𝑛 + 7)
6
1
4. 1 + 3 + 5 + ……+ (2n-1) =
2 2 2 2
𝑛(4𝑛2 − 1)
3
5. Prove by induction that 6n-1 is divisible by 5 for all positive integral values
of n.

The ∑ 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

The notation is used to write series in short form.

For example 13 + 23 + 33 +….. + m3 = ∑ m3

Example 11
(−1)𝑚
Write in full: (i) ∑𝑛1 𝑚𝑚 , (ii) ∑63
𝑚

Solution

(i) ∑𝑛1 𝑚𝑚 = 11 + 22 + 33 + …………. + n n

=1 + 22 + 33 + …………. + n n
(−1)𝑚 (−1)3 (−1)4 (−1)5 (−1)6
(ii) ∑63 = + + +
𝑚 3 4 5 6
1 1 1 1
=− + − +
3 4 5 6
 Further series

Certain series can be summed by means of the results:

1
(i) 1 + 2 + …. + n = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
2
1
(ii) 12 + 22 + …. + n2 = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(2𝑛 + 1)
6
1
(iii) 13 + 23 + ….. + n3 = 𝑛2 (𝑛 + 1)2
4

Example 12

Find the sum of the series:

13 + 33 + 53 + …. + (2n+1)3

Solution

13 + 33 + 53 + …. + (2n+1)3

= 12 + 23 + 33 + 43 + 53 + …. + (2n+1)3 – 23- 43- …. - (2n)3

1
= (2𝑛 + 1)2 (2𝑛 + 1 + 1)2 − 23 (13 + 23 + − − +𝑛3 )
4
1 1
= (2𝑛 + 1)2 (2(𝑛 + 1))2 (𝑛 + 1))2 − 8 x 𝑛2 (𝑛 + 1)2
4 4
2 2 2 2
= (2n+1) (n+1) - 2n (n+1)
= (n+1)2[4𝑛2 + 4𝑛 + 1 − 2𝑛2 ]
= (n+1)2 (2n2+4n+1).

Example 13

Find the sum of n terms of the series 1x 2+2x3+3x4+4x5 +……

Solution

The m th term = m (m+1)

= m2 + m

Therefore, the required sum = 12 + 1

 + 22 + 2

+ 33 + 3

+ 42 + 4

+--------

+ n2 + n

= (12 +22+ 33+ 42 +--------+ n2) + (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +……+ n)

1 1
= 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(2𝑛 + 1) + 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
6 2

1
= 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)[(2𝑛 + 1) + 3]
6

1
= 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(2𝑛 + 4)
6

1
= 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(𝑛 + 2)
3

Infinite geometrical progressions

1
Consider a G.P whose first term is 1 and common ratio , that is,
3

1 1 1 1
1+ + + + −−−+
3 9 27 3𝑛−1

1−𝑟𝑛
For r < 1, use sn=a ( )
1−𝑟

Therefore
1
1 1 1 1 [1 − ( ) 𝑛]
1+ + + + −−+ =1 3
3 9 27 3𝑛 − 1 1
1−
3
1
[1−( )𝑛]
3
= 2
3

2 1 1
= − (3𝑛−1)
3 2
As n tends to infinity,
1 3
𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒, 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑛 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑡𝑜 .
3𝑛−1 2

1 1 1 1 3
∴1+ + + + −−+ =
3 9 27 3𝑛−1 2

3
The limit is called its sum 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦.
2

In general, for any geometrical progression whose common ratio r lies between -1
and +1, that is, |𝑟|<1,

As n tends to ∞, rn tends to 0.

Therefore, the sum to infinity of the series

𝑎
𝑎 + 𝑎𝑟 + 𝑎𝑟 2 + − − +𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 =
1−𝑟
Example 14

Express the following recurring decimals as rational numbers:

(a) 0. 1̇2̇ and (b) 0. 5̇

Solution

(a) 0. 1̇2̇=0.12121212---------
12 12 12
= + + +-----
100 10000 1000000

12 1
This is a G.P, with a = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟 =
100 100
1
12 1−( )𝑛
100
Therefore, 𝑠∞ = [ 1 ]
100 1−
100

1 𝑛
As n ∞, ( ) tends to 0
100

12 100
𝑠∞ = x
100 99
 4
=
33

4
∴ 0. 1̇2̇ =
33

(b) 0. 5̇ = 0.5555-------
5 5 5 5
= + + + + −−−−
10 100 1000 10000

5 1
This is a G.P, with a = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟 = .
10 10
1
5 1−( )𝑛
10
Therefore, 𝑆𝑛 = [ 1 ]
10 1−
10

5 1
S∞ = ( )
10 9
10

5 10
= x
10 9

5
∴ 0. 5̇ =
9

Exercise 5

1. Using the results

1
(i) 1 + 2 + 3 + ……. + n = 𝑛 (𝑛 + 1),
2
1
(ii) 12 + 22 + 32 + ……. + n2 = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)(2𝑛 + 1),
6
1
(iii) 13 + 23 + 33 + ….. + n3 = 𝑛2 (𝑛 + 1)2
4
Find the sums of the following series
(a) 1 + 2 + 32 + …. + (n-1)2
2 2

(b) 3 + 5 + 7 + ….. + (2n+1)

(c) 2 + 5 + 10 + …. + (n2+1)
(d) 1x3 + 2x4 + 3x5 + 4x6 +….to n terms
(e) 2 + 10 + 30 + ……. + (n3+n)

2. (a) If the sum to infinity of a G.P is three times the first term, what is the
common ratio?
(b) The sum to infinity of a G.P is 4 and the second term is 1. Find the first, third
and fourth terms.

(c)The second term of a G.P is 24 and its sum to infinity is 100. Find the two
possible values of the common ratio and the corresponding first terms.
1 1
3. How many terms of the arithmetical progression 2 + 3 + 4 + − − − are
4 2
needed to make a total of 204?

4. The sum of n terms of a certain series is 3n2 + 10n for all values of n. Find the nth
term and show that the series is an A.P.

5. Find the sum of the series 2 + 6 + …. + (n2-n).

6. The eighth term of an A.P is twice the third term, and the sum of the first eight
terms is 39. Find the first three terms of the progression and show that its sum to n
3
terms is 𝑛 (𝑛 + 5).
8