Fix the mistake: Sequences ③ (Sigma and Formulas for Sums)

Sigma Notation Σ

The sum of the sequence {a_k} from k=1 to n is written as
 Σ_{k=1}^{n} a_k = a_1 + a_2 + … + a_n .

Linearity:
 Σ(α·a_k + β·b_k) = α·Σa_k + β·Σb_k(α, β are constants)

Example ① Calculate Σ_{k=1}^{5} k².
Solution:1+4+9+16+25 = 55
Key Point
  • Sigma notation is an “abbreviated notation for addition”
  • Constant multiples and sums can be separated

Practice Problem

  1. Calculate Σ_{k=1}^{4} (2k+1).

Answer and Explanation

  1. Answer:24
    3+5+7+9=24.